Enzo Maresca will have certainly learnt his lesson from Chelsea’s trip to Cardiff City in the League Cup before he takes on Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Blues will be looking to strengthen their grip on a place in the top four at the weekend, and build on their return to winning ways against Everton last week.
Cole Palmer announced his return from injury with his first goal at Stamford Bridge this season last weekend, and we are expecting him to be back in the starting side.
Maresca is delighted to have his star back 🙌
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Cole Palmer and Enzo Maresca
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Palmer was left out completely against Cardiff, as Maresca had to turn to his bench players to help set up a semi-final tie against Arsenal or Crystal Palace.
The Chelsea Chronicle have released their predicted XI for their trip to St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
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Chelsea Predicted XI vs Newcastle
Robert Sanchez will be back in the starting side, after Filip Jorgensen was given a rare outing against Cardiff.
Club captain Reece James will start at right-back, despite plenty of his recent appearances coming in the heart of midfield.
Wesley Fofana completely missed out against Cardiff, and he will be back after being given another opportunity to maintain his fitness.
He will be joined by Trevoh Chalobah. The pairing have proven themselves to be Chelsea’s best options at this stage of the season.
At left back, Marc Cucurella will add to his 68 games played in the last 365 days with another start.
Moises Caicedo made his return from suspension in the EFL Cup, and will be the only starter from that game who will remain in the starting side.
The partnership of him and Enzo Fernandez will be reignited. The duo are up there amongst the best in world football when paired together.
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Cole Palmer is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes as the club manage his recovery, but he will be in the starting XI against Newcastle.
On the right, Pedro Neto will start after his goal off the bench against Cardiff. Estevao Willian is set to miss the game due to injury.
The opposite wing will see the other midweek goalscorer, Alejandro Garnacho, back in the starting side.
Joao Pedro will lead the line as the Blues await the return of Liam Delap from injury.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
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