90min

The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Newcastle

By Vayam Lahoti

Frank Lampard has a host of options at his disposal for his side's visit to Tyneside
Frank Lampard has a host of options at his disposal for his side's visit to Tyneside / Pool/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Chelsea will be looking to continue their solid run of form in the league when they travel to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on Saturday.

Prior to the international break, the Magpies suffered a frustrating 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton. The Blues, on the other hand, handed Sheffield United a 4-1 hammering.

This fixture is the latest test of Chelsea's credibility as title contenders. A victory would see them go straight to the top of the pile, albeit only temporarily.

1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Ben Chilwell should be fit to start against the Magpies after taking a knock to his back on international duty
Ben Chilwell should be fit to start against the Magpies after taking a knock to his back on international duty / Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The Blues' number one has been a revelation since his switch from Rennes, keeping six clean sheets in eight outings, while having conceded only once in the league in that period.

Reece James (RB) - James has been particularly impressive in recent weeks after seemingly shrugging off competition from club captain Cezar Azplicueta to make the right-back position his own. He's already developed a good understanding with the likes of Hakim Ziyech.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Yet to play a Premier League minute this season, Thiago Silva's absence gives the German a chance to get back in Lampard's good books.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - He's been arguably Chelsea's best defender this season, making his presence felt in both boxes. Having bagged three goals in the league already, Zouma has been very reliable and assured at the back.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Chilwell has been impressive for Chelsea so far in 2020/21. His overlapping runs, willingness to get to the back post and overall link-up play have been eye-catching. Although he went off just before half-time for England in their 2-0 defeat against Belgium, he could be deemed fit enough to start here.

2. Midfielders

Mount will be welcoming the opportunity to impress his manager as he tries to make his place in the starting XI
Mount will be welcoming the opportunity to impress his manager as he tries to make his place in the starting XI / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Mason Mount (CM) - The Englishman has been in the spotlight recently over a perceived rivalry with Jack Grealish on international duty. Mount has had to fight for his place in the team but with injuries to Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic, he is likely to get the nod against the Magpies after bagging a goal for his country in the 4-0 thumping of Iceland.

Jorginho (CM) - The Italy international has held firm after serious questions surrounding his ability in previous seasons. Though Lampard has confirmed that Timo Werner will be on penalties following Jorginho's questionable run from 12 yards in recent games, he'll keep his place in the lineup having made the number six position his own.

N'Golo Kanté (CM) - The Frenchman scored the winner for his country in their 1-0 win over Portugal in the Nations League. He's been a mainstay in the Chelsea squad and has grown into the new role out on the right.

3. Forwards

Timo Werner ( LW ) - Though it can be argued that he's far more effective as a striker, Werner will start on the left wing with Pulisic still out. He'll be full of confidence after bagging a brace for Germany in their 3-1 win over Ukraine.

Tammy Abraham ( ST ) - Abraham's resolve to keep fighting for a place in an expensive squad has reaped rewards for the young striker. He'll start up top for the Blues.

Hakim Ziyech ( RW ) - Sit back and enjoy. Bear witness to the industry and artistry of the Moroccan. Ziyech's play so easy on the eye and he's in devastating form for club and country.