Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham: Joe Buck match reaction
The latest Chelsea team news ahead of Saturday's clash with Newcastle United at St. James' Park.
Newcastle United bounced back quickly from their Wear-Tyne derby defeat, beating Fulham 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.
However, attention must now quickly return to the Premier League, with the Magpies hosting Chelsea in the Premier League this Saturday. Despite Newcastle’s inconsistent form and an eight-place chasm between the two sides, the gap in terms of points stands at just six, with a win for Eddie Howe’s side at St. James’ Park potentially transformative.
There’s been plenty of noise surrounding Chelsea this week thanks to Enzo Maresca’s public ‘worst 48 hours’ outburst. However, the Blues head north having won their last two games, beating Everton 2-0 in the Premier League and Cardiff City 3-1 in the EFL Cup - where they could yet meet Newcastle in the final. What’s more, the Chelsea boss is laser-focused on this weekend’s task, despite the long trip to South Wales and back.
“Now we have three hours to arrive to Cobham, and I will watch two Newcastle games,” Maresca said after the Cardiff match. “There is no time. Time is for the players. For us as staff, we're going to be focused on the next one, that is Newcastle, so we're going to prepare. But you cannot imagine how happy I am for the players, because it's another semi-final for them, for the fans, for everyone.” So, what sort of Chelsea side will Newcastle be facing this weekend? Here is the latest team news from the Londoners.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Chelsea team news vs Newcastle United
Liam Delap - Out
Liam Delap has missed Chelsea’s last three matches with a shoulder injury picked up against Bournemouth at the start of December, and the striker isn’t expected back until early January. That prognosis is much better for Chelsea than initially feared, with Delap at first suspected to have suffered a dislocated shoulder. Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer, but is yet to score in nine domestic appearances for the Blues.
Cole Palmer - Doubt
Cole Palmer was rested against Cardiff, but should return to the starting line-up against Newcastle, off the back scoring against Everton for his first Premier League goal since September.
Levi Colwill - Out
Levi Colwill sustained an ACL injury over the summer and will be lucky to feature at all this season. That, of course, leaves the centre-back with the very real possibility of missing out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Romeo Lavia - Out
Romeo Lavia has been sidelined since the start of November with a thigh problem, and Maresca is yet to give a timescale for his return. However, he’s almost certain to miss Saturday’s trip to St. James’ Park.
Estevao - Out
Estevao was a shock omission from the squad against Cardiff, with Maresca revealing after the match that he’ll also be absent at St. James’ Park. “He had a small problem, a muscle problem. He won't be available for Newcastle, and we'll see for the next one,” said the Italian coach.
Dario Essugo - Out
Dario Essugo is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea beyond the Club World Cup following his summer arrival, and although he returned to training recently, a complication with his thigh injury means his Premier League debut has once again been delayed.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Continue Reading