After defeat to PSG in the Champions League, Liam Rosenior’s side are straight back into Premier League action against Newcastle United.
With an exit from the Champions League a possibility after a disappointing first leg defeat, it’s even more important that Chelsea nail down a top-five spot.
Liam Rosenior will be hoping that Joao Pedro can get back to top form after struggling against PSG, after his incredible run in the Premier League.
But it won’t be easy against a Newcastle United side that beat Manchester United last time out, and drew with Barcelona midweek.
We believe there could be some changes coming in for the Newcastle clash, with Alejandro Garnacho, Andrey Santos, Robert Sanchez and Mamadou Sarr potentially coming in.
And Eddie Howe is set to be without some players.
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Micah Richards gives Liam Rosenior his seal of approval as Chelsea boss
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Newcastle United injury update for Chelsea clash
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United will be without four players.
Bruno Guimaraes is missing and is not expected to be back until April.
Fabian Schar is also set to miss the clash.
Meanwhile, Lewis Miley is on track to feature in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie for Newcastle, but won’t make the Chelsea clash.
That leaves only Emil Krafth as the other absence.
Anthony Gordon could be in with a chance of starting after struggling through illness against Barcelona.
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Robert Sanchez conceding stats compared to Filip Jorgensen at Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s setup for the Newcastle United clash
To stabilise after the PSG collapse, Chelsea should prioritise defensive discipline over tactical expansion against Newcastle. Reinstating Robert Sanchez is essential; while Jorgensen offers superior distribution, his confidence-shattering error in Paris makes Sanchez the safer pair of hands to settle a shaky backline.
Liam Rosenior should utilise a robust 4-2-3-1 formation, introducing Andrey Santos alongside Moises Caicedo to provide a more combative shield against Newcastle’s physical midfield.
This setup allows Reece James to be rested or managed ahead of the European return leg, with Malo Gusto providing width. Offensively, the trio of Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer must remain settled to maintain their creative rhythm, supporting Joao Pedro.
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