Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon
There will be two very contrasting team sheets when the Newcastle United and Chelsea starting XIs are named for today's Prermier League clash at St James' Park.
While Eddie Howe could name the same side for the third game in a row - indeed ten of the 11 have played every game since the start of Marrch - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca may make 10 changes from the side who beat Djurgardens on Thursday night to clinch a place in the Europa Conference League final.
Howe's big decisions revolve around whether to start Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman, and if Joe Willock keeps his place in midfield. The former Arsenal star has not quite been able to grab his opportunity in Joelinton's absence with both hands, but could again get the nod over Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff.
Botman is being eased back after injury and, unless Fabian Schar is unable to take part, will again have to be patient for a start. After his injury issues, a fresh start for United next season may be the most likely route for the classy Dutch defender.
Gordon is a more difficult decision. Harvey Barnes has certainly taken his chance, but it's becoming more difficult to leave United's No 10 on the sidelines. At this stage of the season there should be nothing but the strongest XI available, which leaves many feeling a return for the former Everton man.
Chelsea are likely to welcome back goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with a midfield of Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandes meaning Moises Caicedo switches to right-back. Widemen Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto will cause problems on the flanks, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson through the middle.
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock, Gordon, Murphy, Isak.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson