Chelsea's Battle at St. James' Park: A Look at the Blues' Potential Lineup Against Newcastle
Chelsea's trip to St. James' Park for their clash against Newcastle United is going to be a tough one. The Magpies are flying high this season, sitting pretty in the top four, while Chelsea are still finding their feet under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
With both sides looking to grab a win, the pressure is on for both managers to get their tactics right. But how will Chelsea line up? Let's break it down.
Chelsea's Expected Starting XI
Pochettino has a few decisions to make ahead of this clash. The big question is who starts in attack alongside Nicolas Jackson.
Here's a possible lineup for Chelsea:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Defense: Reece James, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell
- Midfield: Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher
- Attack: Mykhailo Mudryk, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson
This lineup would be quite attacking, with Sterling and Mudryk providing width and Jackson leading the line. The midfield duo of Fernandez and Gallagher should provide a solid base.
Key Matchups to Watch
One key battle will be between Enzo Fernandez and Bruno Guimaraes. Both are top-class midfielders with a lot of quality, so this matchup could determine the outcome of the game.
Another key matchup is between Chelsea's fullbacks and Newcastle's wingers. The likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almirón are dangerous on the counter, so Chelsea need to be wary of their pace.
Predicting the Outcome
Chelsea will need to be at their very best to get a result at St. James' Park. Newcastle are a very good team, and they are tough to beat at home.
But Chelsea have a strong squad, and they will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat. It's going to be a tight match, but a draw feels like the most likely outcome.
Don't forget to check back for the official lineup and post-match analysis.
Let me know your thoughts on Chelsea's potential lineup!