The team sheets are in at St James’ Park, where Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United prepare to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in a meeting of two clubs battling recent inconsistencies.
Our last three games have featured a Champions League draw in Leverkusen, that damaging defeat at Sunderland last Sunday and a Carabao Cup win over Fulham in midweek. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won two, lost two and drawn two of their last six in all competitions, drawing at 0-0 Bournemouth and losing 3-1 at Leeds in their most recent league games on the road.
A big game awaits and this is how the two sides line up as we approach kick-off at 12.30…
Confirmed line ups
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale – Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Hall – Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey– Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Substitutes: Ruddy, Joelinton, Wissa, Barnes, Elanga, Willock, A Murphy, Neave, Shahar.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Howe has made four changes from Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham in the Carabao Cup, with Woltemade, Gordon, Tonali and Hall replacing Wissa, Barnes, Willock and Livramento.
Nick Pope isn’t in the squad once again, but it’s a relief that Hall is fit enough to start.
As expected, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Will Osula and Jamaal Lascelles absent once again.
Howay the lads!
This match basketball games reminds me why lineups matter so much before kickoff. Seeing Woltemade, Tonali, and Hall starting feels bold and exciting, especially after recent inconsistency. Chelsea look dangerous too, but St James’ Park energy could be decisive. I’m cautiously optimistic, nervous, and ready to enjoy the battle ahead.
Pearl Walden(Quote)