Chelsea return to Premier League action after their mid-week Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham. The semi-final first leg was won via a dubious penalty, which Harry Kane converted, but the Blues had chances to score at Wembley.
Our opponents on Saturday are Newcastle, and we should have enough to see off the Magpies. Early season expectations have come down a bit as we fight for a top-four spot, rather than the Premier League crown.
The Blues have struggled to score goals regularly in the league. There should be more options for the home side in attack as Olivier Giroud and Pedro returned to the side in the Carabao Cup loss.
Maurizio Sarri needs to win such games as Arsenal are just three points behind us, and here is the predicted line-up for Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard gave away the penalty in our previous game and should remain in the starting XI on Saturday.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
Azpilicueta has to have a good game at the back to keep Newcastle from putting in some dangerous crosses at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz (CB)
Luiz has been ever-present in the Chelsea XI and should remain in the side to face the Magpies.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
The other central defender that plays all of our important games. Rudiger has been consistent for the Blues this season and needs to be at his best against Newcastle.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
The left-back didn’t have a great game at Wembley, and his form from the start of the season seems to be a thing of the past. However, we should stick with him rather than risk Emerson Palmieri.
Jorginho (CM)
The former Napoli man isn’t having a great season despite some fantastic passing stats. The Italian has to control the game and ensure we don’t waste possession against the Magpies.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
The French midfielder should start for Chelsea unless he picks up an injury in the coming days.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
Kovacic was another player that returned to the side after a bout of illness and should replace Ross Barkley in the starting XI.
Eden Hazard (LW)
The Belgian cut a frustrated figure in our loss to Tottenham, and hopefully, he puts up a better showing at home.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
Hazard playing on the left means Giroud should start for us on Saturday. The Frenchman has struggled to score but with Alvaro Morata’s injury, this is another opportunity for him to impress.
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Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard returned for Chelsea duty in the Carabao Cup, and hopefully, he puts up a decent showing on Saturday.