Chelsea host Newcastle United on Monday night with the opportunity to jump into the top four. After three successive victories in the Premier League, most recently a 2-1 victory against Sheffield United, the Blues will be in high spirits when they welcome the Magpies to Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Thomas Tuchel confirmed in his press conference that Andreas Christensen has not sustained any lasting injuries after being taken off at half time against Barnsley in the FA Cup. (goal.com)
“It was not concussion-related at all,’ he said. ‘It was a headache so we took him off.”
Timo Werner has recovered from a dead leg so he is in contention, as for Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz, the pair are making good progress in the recovery of their injuries. The two players are both out of the Newcastle match but are possibilities for the game against Southampton. (chelseafc.com)
Predicted XI
In goal, Edouard Mendy is chasing his 11th clean sheet of the season. In the last match against Sheffield United, an own goal by Antonio Rudiger prevented him from achieving this, but he will be hoping for a better outcome in this game.
In defense, Andreas Christensen will keep his place at the expense of the injured Thiago Silva. The Dane looks composed and assured of himself in the middle of a back three and will be hoping for another fine display. The own goal by Rudiger against Sheffield United does not sum up the German’s performances of late. The defender has been in fine form since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel and he is more than likely to retain his place in the side. Alongside Rudiger and Christensen will be the reliable Cesar Azpilicueta.
Marcos Alonso and Callum Hudson-Odoi will occupy the left and right wing-back positions. Tuchel has been experimenting quite a lot in the wing-back positions, but there is a very high chance that he will revert to the wing-back paring that has done so well during his time with Chelsea thus far.
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will be the two holding midfielders. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Of course, that proverb does not work for every scenario, but the partnership of Jorginho and Kovacic has done very well in the absence of N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman is still one of the best midfielders in the world, but he is also out of form. In a situation like this, it is best to keep some consistency, in the hope of continuing the momentum we have built up.
Playing behind the striker will be Timo Werner and Mason Mount. Mason Mount has been in superb form lately and is certainly one of Chelsea’s stand-out performers this season. Timo Werner hasn’t had the best of seasons so far but he has turned a corner since the arrival of Tuchel. He has been directly involved in each of the three goals we scored in our last two games in the Premier League. The German is gradually becoming an important part of this Chelsea team.
Playing up top will be Tammy Abraham. The English international is a tireless worker and a great finisher. He put in a very mature performance against a stubborn Barnsley side in the last round of the FA Cup, and at the moment he is the obvious choice to lead the front line.
Full Predicted XI
Mendy
Azpi, Christensen, Rudiger
Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso
Mount, Werner
Abraham
