Newcastle United travel to the capital to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge knowing a win would put serious distance between themselves and their opponents on the Premier League table. Last weekend’s win against Wolves was just their first win at St James’ Park since mid-December and whilst their form on the road has picked up of late, memories of their heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in their last trip to London will still loom large.
The Magpies have been able to welcome back a few key players in recent weeks and have seen both Alexander Isak and Joe Willock start and impress after their respective injury issues. However, Eddie Howe will be without Kieran Trippier after he sustained a calf injury during the win over Wolves.
Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, is under growing pressure and defeat to Newcastle just six days ahead of their FA Cup Quarter Final clash against Leicester City could heap even more pressure onto the Argentine. Here, we take a look at the starting XI Howe could name for his side’s trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night:
5. Dan Burn
Burn’s performances have been scrutinised greatly in recent times but he did superbly against Pedro Neto last time out to deny the in-form Wolves man a sniff at goal. He has had his run-ins with Chelsea in the past and will be keen to be on the winning side once again. | Wolves via Getty Images
6. Sean Longstaff
Longstaff made his Premier League debut in this fixture back in January 2019. Howe’s options in midfield are slowly but surely being strengthened again and Longstaff will be keen to impress and keep hold of his starting berth. | Getty Images
7. Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes remains just one booking away from suspension, but whilst he is still available to play, he will be the first name on Howe’s team sheet. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Joe Willock
Willock has started Newcastle’s last two games and was very impressive against Wolves, giving his side energy and legs in midfield whilst also being a big threat going forward and on the counter-attack. He netted against the Blues at St James’ Park last season. | Getty Images