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Chelsea predicted line-up vs Newcastle | Getty Images
Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend as they look to build on their two wins on the spin in all competitions
Chelsea face an away trip to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon in their latest Premier League outing. They are currently positioned in 4th in the table after 16 fixtures. The Blues are inside the top four along with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Enzo Maresca's side won 3-1 against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup last time out. Alejandro Garnacho scored twice against the League One side in South Wales, whilst Pedro Neto also managed to get himself on the scoresheet. Here is a look at their predicted line-up to play Eddie Howe's men:
Chelsea predicted XI vs Newcastle United: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Robert Sanchez: Chelsea are poised to bring Robert Sanchez back into their starting XI against Newcastle. Filip Jorgensen took his place against Cardiff in their last game. However, Sanchez is number one in the league and will be eager to keep a clean sheet this weekend.
RB: Malo Gusto: He came off the bench against the Bluebirds on Wednesday so should be fresh. The 22-year-old has been with the Blues since joining them back in 2022 from Lyon. He has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, 14 of which have come in the league.
CB: Wes Fofana: Maresca is likely to give the former Leicester City man the nod. Benoit Badiashile featured in his position at the Cardiff City Stadium to freshen things up. Fofafa struggled with injury after making the switch to London but appears to be on the right track again now.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah: He has become an important member of Chelsea's squad since his return from his loan at Crystal Palace just over 12 months ago. He provides them with more depth at the back and has proved himself. The defender rose up through their academy ranks and has also been shipped out to the likes of Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and FC Lorient in the past.
LB: Marc Cucurella: Jorrel Hato started at left-back against Cardiff but Cucurella is ahead of him in the pecking order. The Spaniard tends to get forward when he can and get involved in attacks. The 26-year-old has made 23 outings altogether in this campaign.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Newcastle United: midfield and attack
CM: Moises Caicedo: Caicedo is back for Chelsea now following his suspension. They will be pleased to have him back as they look to keep their momentum going against Newcastle. Their upcoming opponents lost 1-0 to bitter rivals Sunderland in their last game after Nick Woltemade's own goal.
CM: Enzo Fernandez: The Blues are set to bring Fernandez back into their side against the Toon Army. He is likely to come in for Andrey Santos, who started in place of him against Cardiff. Reece James is another option to pick from in the middle of the park as well and he will be ready if needed.
RW: Pedro Neto: Chelsea's decision to snap him up from Wolves in August 2024 has turned out to be a masterstroke. He penned a long-term seven-year deal when he joined which raised a few eyebrows. The winger has done well though and has scored 15 goals in 74 matches.
CAM: Cole Palmer: He scored against Everton in the last league match and is back following his injury. Palmer will now be looking to make up for lost time and will be keen to cause Newcastle some problems. On his day, he is one of the most talented players in the country.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho: The ex-Manchester United attacker came off the bench and scored twice against Cardiff. It has been a pretty slow start for him since his summer switch but his brace against the Bluebirds should give him confidence. It wouldn't be a surprise to play from the off ahead of the likes of Jamie Gittens and Estevao.
ST: Joao Pedro: He is better than Marc Guiu and was actually a target for Newcastle earlier this year. The Blues swooped in ahead of them though and lured him away from Brighton and Hove Albion. Liam Delap is injured which opens the door for Pedro to take the number nine spot.
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