One particular Newcastle United star has been named as a genuine threat by Chelsea legend John Terry ahead of the sides meeting on Saturday.
Indeed, Newcastle United are playing Chelsea in the Premier League as Eddie Howe looks to claim another big result.
It will be a big test for Howe’s side, who are yet to convince following last weekend’s dreadful defeat to Sunderland.
Here’s our predicted XI to face Chelsea! What changes would you make? ⚫⚪
Options are limited 😂
A graphic showing Newcastle United's predicted XI vs Chelsea.
Caption: GRV Media
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While beating Fulham in the Carabao Cup is certainly a start, major question marks remain.
Still, as is the unpredictable nature of this team, it would not be a surprise to see Newcastle turn up for a big game at home in front of the TV cameras.
Perhaps surprisingly, Terry believes that the under-fire Anthony Elanga is a genuine threat for Newcastle.
John Terry says Anthony Elanga is a major threat for Newcastle United vs Chelsea
The Blues legend was speaking on his TikTok channel.
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He previewed the game, bringing out all the old tropes about Newcastle having a truly excellent midfield and being a very physical side.
Terry isn’t technically wrong of course, but Newcastle fans would be forgiven for thinking they’ve not seen it often enough themselves.
Terry also described Elanga – who has been heavily criticised this season – as a “real threat”.
Elanga has failed to impress at Newcastle since joining from Nottingham Forest, but perhaps he can start to turn things around against Chelsea.
The Sweden international has just one assist in 24 games for the club following his move from Nottingham Forest.
Anyone else think Cisse’s first goal here is actually underrated?
I know we all go on about the second goal but that first strike is pure class 😍
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Why Anthony Elanga could be key for Newcastle United against Chelsea
Away from home, Chelsea are a team who tend to dominate possession. In fact, only Liverpool have a higher average.
On average, Enzo Maresca’s side boast 59.3% of the ball per away Premier League game.
That should suit Newcastle and, in particular, players like Elanga and Anthony Gordon.
There will likely be space for Newcastle’s wide players to exploit on the counter-attack, which could be a potential avenue for success.
Newcastle believe Elanga will prove to be a good signing and a big performance on Saturday – if selected – would be a fine way of responding to recent doubts.
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