Sven Botman will start for Newcastle United against Chelsea _(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)_
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EDDIE HOWE is switching formation to three centre-halves for this afternoon's game between [Newcastle United](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle) and Chelsea.
With Kieran Trippier, who has a calf injury, and Joe Willock, who is struggling with a thigh problem, both unavailable because of injury, Howe has opted to play with three centre-halves as Newcastle look to take a major step towards qualifying for the Champions League.
Sven Botman returns to the starting line-up for the first time since early February after completing his recovery from a knee injury.
Botman will play alongside Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of the backline, with Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento set to line up in the two wing-back positions.
Anthony Gordon also returns to Newcastle's starting line-up, and will line up on the left-hand side of the Magpies' front three.
Harvey Barnes will start on the right, with Alexander Isak playing as the central striker.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has named the same side that started last weekend's Premier League win over Liverpool.
_NEWCASTLE (3-4-3): Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Murphy, Tonali, Guimaraes, Livramento; Barnes, Isak, Gordon._
_Subs: Dubravka, Ruddy, Lascelles, Wilson, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff, Miley, Neave._
_CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson._
_Subs: Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, James, Gusto, George, Acheampong._