Chelsea could move up to the 2nd spot in the league table when they face a Newcastle side, who are confident to get points after recent results. The Magpies, who stunned Manchester United with a controlled 1-0 win, a fortnight ago, have already defeated two of the top 6 challengers this season – the other a 1-0 win away to Tottenham. Jetro Willems and Fabian Schar have been in good form for them.
In the last game before the international break, Chelsea defeated beat Southampton 4-1 in a convincing win. They sit comfortably in the 5th spot and have a decent run of games until they face Manchester City in late November.
The Londoners have set out a warning that despite a transfer ban they still are a force to be reckoned with, on the back of their young stars. Despite all of this, Chelsea have looked below par at times at Stamford Bridge with just 5 points out of four league games.
The international break has once again turned sour for Chelsea as N’golo Kante is again a doubt for the game and Rudiger still hasn’t gained natch fitness.
There have also been rumors surfacing that the Frenchman is a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid who are ready to offer cash plus James Rodriguez.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard applauding the Newcastle side, said “I saw then at Tottenham put in some resilience, they have got templates to get results in that way”
The previous fixture ended a 2-1 for the Londoners with wingers Willian and Pedro on the score sheet.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
N’golo Kante will mid the match after having a small groin issue. Mateo Kovacic had a knock but is in contention to start. Ross Barkley scored twice for the Three Lions in the game vs Bulgaria marred by racism issues.
Leagues leading scorer Tammy Abraham would be more than ‘satisfied’ by his start to the season, would be hoping to add more his tally of 8 goals for the season.
Rudiger has started some light training but is nowhere near his return. Mason Mount who has started the season so vibrantly, will line up on the left flank. Brazilian Willian is to continue operating from the right. His creativity could well unlock the tight Newcastle defence.
Predicted Line-Ups: Kepa, Azpilicueta (C), Zouma, Tomori, Alonso, Jorginho, Barkley, Willian, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham 4-3-3
Newcastle who, are on the up following the win against Manchester United are not expected to change teams much. The 5-0 thrashing at Leicester’s King Power Stadium acted as a catalyst for a committed performance.
Brothers Matty Longstaff and Sean Longstaff, both are expected to be in the starting eleven. Allan Saint-Maximin who looked quite threatening from the wing is set to keep his place. Joelinton lines up in the strikers role and will be looking to dust off his poor form.
Predicted Line-Ups: Dubravka, Yedlin, Schar, Lascelles (C), Clark, Willems, Almiron, S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton 5-4-1
Referee: Andre Marriner
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London (41631)
English Premier League, Round 9
Time: 15:00 BST, Saturday
