Chelsea vs Newcastle predicted XI: 3-4-3 with replacements

2 of 3

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Jorginho of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on October 30, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right wingback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta has been Chelsea’s most reliable player over the years. He has played in positions all over the defence and he has been the club’s go to man in times of peril. Reece James got injured again and it is genuinely disheartening to see the way his season is going. The man needed one start to prove his mettle but got injured again, and that sums up his season. With James injured and Christian Pulisic’s mysterious injury, Chelsea will need Azpilicueta to start again.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho started against Norwich, but his performance wasn’t anything special. The Italian was average at best and ended up winning only two of seven ground duels. He did end up with a passing accuracy of 93 percent though. It makes sense to give Jorginho a start against Newcastle, and the Blues will want N’Golo Kante to feature against Lille a few days after. The Frenchman was excellent against les Dogues in the first leg, both in defence and offence, so he needs a rest.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has suddenly become a dangerous shooter from the edge of the box. After scoring that magnificent goal against Liverpool, Kovacic tried something similar to Norwich, and it almost came off. He quickly progressed with the ball and his quick exchanges with the forwards were causing all sorts of problems for the Canaries’ poor defence. The 27-year-old could take advantage of the Magpies, who have conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game this season.

Saul (No. 17) Left wingback, Spain

Saul has played as the left wingback in the past few games and he has done quite well. It is impressive to see his performances, considering the fact that he doesn’t particularly enjoy playing in the position. He has stepped up when the team has needed him and it shows a lot of character. The Spaniard will have to start in the same position again as Marcos Alonso recovers from COVID and Ben Chilwell remains sidelined for the rest of the season.

Home/Premier League