Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle: 3 changes as Pulisic starts
Chelsea’s final game of the 2022-23 season will see them host Newcastle United who have already secured a top four berth and ensured Champions League season for next season. On the other hand, Chelsea sit 12th and they can at best achieve an 11th placed finish.
With nothing to play for in the last few games, Frank Lampard has been rotating the lineup. In the last game against Manchester United, Carney Chukwuemeka was handed a start. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella has seen Lewis Hall start games at left back. Lampard will ring changes to the side in the final game at Stamford Bridge.
Some of the players might play their last game in Chelsea shirt as a summer exodus could be on the cards. Chelsea would like to end a disastrous season on a slightly positive note with a win but a sturdy Newcastle side will not be easy to dismantle.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle United
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been Chelsea’s first choice and will end the season retaining his position as the first choice keeper. However, the Blues are looking to sign a new keeper in the summer and Kepa could fall down the pecking order.
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Reece James suffered another injury setback in training which has ruled him out of the Newcastle clash. In his absence, Cesar Azpilicueta will start and will be tasked with negathing the threat of Alexander Isak.
Centre back: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva should come in place of Trevoh Chalobah. The Brazilian was an unused substitute in the last game but should come back to steady the backline against the Magpies.
Centre back: Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana and Silva together will have the responsibility of taming Callum Wilson. Fofana should be a regular starter for the club next season and despite having an injury troubled season, the Frenchman has made a strong come back.
Left back: Lewis Hall
The injuries to Chilwell and Cucurella have paved the way for Hall to play at left back. The youngster struggled against Manchester United but he has shown a glimpse of his skills and should be backed for the final game of the season.
Central midfield: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is likely to leave CFC this summer. The Englishman is a target for AC Milan and has already given his yes for a move. Loftus-Cheek has been in the club setup since 2004 and Sunday could be his last game in Chelsea colours.
Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Despite Chelsea’s horrid 2022-23 season, Enzo Fernandez is one of the few players who should walk with their heads held high. The Argentine came in the January transfer window and flawlessly settled into the side. Fernandez should finish the season on a high with another top performance.
Central midfield: Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher is another player who is facing an uncertain future at the club. The work horse has been a regular under Lampard and should retain his place for the final game of the season.
Right wing: Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke has been a spark for Chelsea in recent games and should keep his place in the starting lineup. He is still young and learning the art but has shown incredible pace and dribbling skills.
Striker: Kai Havertz
This could possibly be the last time that Havertz plays as a striker as the Blues push to sign a striker in the summer.
Left wing: Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic should come in in place of Mykhailo Mudryk who had a subpar performance against Manchester United. The American will have a tough battle with Kieran Trippier on the left flank.
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Will CFC end their season on a winning note?