Newcastle United predicted line up at Chelsea with one big change expected
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe may have the same squad available to him this week as he did against Brighton seven days ago, but that doesn't necessarily mean we can expect the same starting XI.
Howe has been open to tinkering with his side all season, and after the 1-0 defeat the Seagulls, could be tempt to ring more changes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend. The United head coach has been encouraged by recent performances, even if results have dropped off, so don't expect wholesale changes on Sunday afternoon.
The back four largely picks itself, of course, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles ruled out through injury. While United's goalscoring may have dried up, they're not conceding many at the other end, so expect Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall to continue at Chelsea in front of goalkeeper Nick Pope. That means Emil Krafth and Lloyd Kelly may have to be patient, although both could drop into both central defensive and full-back positions should Howe need to make a change.
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Likewise, the midfield trio seems set to be asked to go again, with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton putting in sold displays against Brighton. Howe has options here, of course, which ensures all three must maintain high standards or risk losing their place.
Guimaraes perhaps dipped below his usual high standards in the early part of the season but has been back to his best in the last month, win impressive displays against Manchester City and Everton in particular. He was unlucky not to score at Goodison Park and has created several big chances. Howe will be keen to get Italian international Tonali more involved in games, and with Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley now available, he knows he can switch things up if needed.
Where he does need to make a decision is in the attacking trio. United have struggled for goals recently, but Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are two of the first names on the teamsheet, and will be itching to make up for some big misses in recent games. Who completes the attacking trio is the big question, with Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes vyingg for the final place.
The final ball was missing against Brighton, so it would be no suiprise to see Howe change things again, with Barnes coming in for Murphy and Gordon playing on the right-hand side, although both can alternate flanks.
Newcastle United predicted line up vs Chelsea: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.