Chelsea XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League game

Chelsea will host Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend, and there are many changes expected in the team. Coach Enzo Maresca has the option to switch the entire starting lineup after the team’s recent performance in Europe. On Thursday night, Chelsea played a largely second-string side and secured a convincing 4-1 victory against Panathinaikos in the Conference League. None of the players who started the previous weekend’s loss to Liverpool participated in the game against Panathinaikos, and some did not travel at all for the match in Greece.

Maresca will welcome back key players Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, who missed the match against Liverpool due to suspensions. While Cucurella played the full 90 minutes in the European match, Malo Gusto might still retain his position at left-back. Another significant boost for Chelsea is the return of captain Reece James. He came through his comeback from injury without any issues during the match against Liverpool.

One of the biggest decisions facing Maresca involves the central midfield. Enzo Fernandez will be looking to earn a spot in the starting eleven, potentially replacing Romeo Lavia. In recent weeks, Jadon Sancho has been the preferred choice on the left wing. However, he was substituted at halftime in the match against Liverpool, which may give Maresca reason to consider other options. Players like Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Pedro Neto all performed well in the victory against Panathinaikos, with each contributing either goals or assists.

Maresca’s lineup choices will be crucial as Chelsea aims to bounce back from their loss to Liverpool. The team has shown promise in their European outings, and maintaining that momentum will be essential. With the return of experienced players, Chelsea’s squad depth will be tested against a strong Newcastle side.

The predicted starting XI for Chelsea in a 4-2-3-1 formation includes: Sanchez in goal, with James, Fofana, Colwill, and Gusto in defense. The midfield is expected to feature Caicedo and Lavia, while the attacking trio may consist of Madueke, Palmer, and Sancho, with Jackson leading the line as the striker. The only player listed as injured is Kellyman, while no other injuries have been reported.

The match will take place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with kickoff set for 2 PM GMT. Fans will be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports, providing an opportunity for supporters to see how Chelsea adapts to changes and challenges on the field.

In the buildup to the match, Maresca has also expressed the need for players to step up their performance. He has had discussions with certain players about improving their contributions, especially in light of recent results. This kind of communication is vital for fostering a competitive environment within the team and ensuring that players understand the importance of each match.

As Chelsea prepares to face Newcastle, the focus will not only be on the tactical adjustments but also on how players respond to the pressure of performing in front of their home crowd. The team will aim to build confidence after their midweek success while also looking to rectify any weaknesses highlighted in their previous league match.

In summary, Chelsea’s upcoming match against Newcastle promises to be an exciting encounter. With several players returning from suspension and injury, the squad is set to be stronger than in recent weeks. Maresca’s decisions in selecting the starting XI will be critical as Chelsea seeks to improve their league standings. Fans are eager to see how the team performs, especially after their impressive showing in the Conference League. The combination of returning players and a renewed focus on performance could make a significant difference as Chelsea looks to claim all three points at home.