Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham: Joe Buck match reaction
Newcastle United v Chelsea: Eddie Howe’s side return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Howe has just two fit senior defenders available to him, although he will hope Lewis Hall is one that can return to the matchday squad. Further up the field, Howe has headaches over who to start in midfield, out wide and up-front with both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa fit and available.
The Magpies have won their last four against the Blues at St James’ Park, including a 2-0 triumph in May which ultimately secured their place in this season’s Champions League. Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for Newcastle United’s clash with Chelsea.
Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
Newcastle United predicted XI v Chelsea
GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale was largely untested in midweek and could do very little about Fulham’s goal. Nick Pope’s lingering injury issues mean he is likely to once again get the nod in goal this weekend.
RB: Lewis Miley
Miley deputised very well at right-back against Fulham, but will face a very stern test of his credentials this weekend when Chelsea come to Tyneside.
CB: Malick Thiaw
As part of potentially just two fit senior defenders, Thiaw has a crucial role to play this weekend in repelling the Chelsea attack.
CB: Fabian Schar
Schar will have to lead the Newcastle United back line on Saturday. Joao Pedro has a track record of scoring against the Magpies and Schar will be keen to keep the Brazilian off the scoresheet.
LB: Alex Murphy
Howe may opt for caution and not risk Hall against his former side. If he does that, then Murphy is the club’s only natural replacement. It would be his first competitive start for the club.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes
If Newcastle United are to navigate this tricky period of the season, then they will need their leader to step up. He was one of their better performers in midweek and is in some good form.
CM: Sandro Tonali
Tonali may not have been at his best in recent weeks, but his introduction to the team on Wednesday night lifted his side and ultimately spurred them onto victory. He will be a key player on Saturday.
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 link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
CM: Jacob Ramsey
Is this the time Ramsey gets a run of games in the starting XI? He was good for 45 minutes against Fulham and will undoubtedly be desperate to back that up with another good performance against Chelsea.
RW: Jacob Murphy
Murphy’s delivery from the right is a weapon that Newcastle United can exploit on Saturday and his delivery for Yoane Wissa’s goal, albeit with some fortune, on Wednesday night showed just how important he can be when the Magpies attack.
ST: Nick Woltemade
Howe may look to manage Wissa’s minutes and give Woltemade a chance to start on Saturday.
LW: Anthony Gordon
It wasn’t too long ago that Gordon used to thrive in big matches against top sides at St James’ Park. It has been far too long since we have seen that player in the Premier League. Hopefully he can rediscover that form in Newcastle United’s final home match of 2025.
Continue Reading