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Chelsea at Newcastle predicted XI: Another thriller with 3-4-2-1?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea celebrates after their side's fifth goal, an own goal scored by Max Aarons (Not pictured) during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea celebrates after their side's fifth goal, an own goal scored by Max Aarons (Not pictured) during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Reece James of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on November 21, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Reece James of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on November 21, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James has become Chelsea’s fifth penalty taker, and he deserves the honor, as well. He has delivered two ice cold penalties in extremely high pressure moments that there should be a conversation for him to be the penalty taker next in line after Jorginho. Many understandably want Romelu Lukaku to take it, but James just seems to be made for the role. Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that the reason James was in that position in the first place is because those were games Jorginho and Lukaku did not play in. James has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season production wise: scoring twice and assisting three times.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante is Chelsea’s best midfielder. It’s every manager’s dream to only be sad about losing Mateo Kovacic for one second, and then say “oh well, I’ll just play the best midfielder in the league instead.” Kante gives Chelsea a two-man advantage almost. He is so good at covering ground and winning the ball back that many see him as just a ball winner. His passing, dribbling and progressive passing are not appreciated enough though. The decision to manage Kante’s minutes rather than adopting the “when he’s fit, he plays” approach has put Chelsea in a position to replace a Kovacic in the line-up with a Kante.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho developed very good chemistry with Kovacic early on in Tuchel’s reign, making them Tuchel’s default midfield pairing in most games. Jorginho has played well since Tuchel arrived and has maintained that performance level, as well. It’s easy to see why he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or following his performances for club and country en route to winning the UEFA Champions League and Euros.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Ben Chilwell stepped up to the challenge when Marcos Alonso was starting over him and showed just why competition for places is important in a club of Chelsea’s stature. It ensures that whoever is playing is delivering performances of the highest quality. Chilwell has now scored three goals is his last three starts for Chelsea. Though Alonso was the Blues’ best player in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Southampton, Chilwell should still be expected to start.

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