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:
9. Miguel Almiron
Almiron has struggled in-front of goal for a while now and has scored just once in the league since the end of September. Ending that record tonight would be perfect. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak
Isak was back on the scoresheet against Wolves and will be aiming to repeat that feat tonight. He has scored 11 league goals this season. | Getty Images
11. Anthony Gordon
Gordon was the star of the show at Stamford Bridge back in May as he scored his first Newcastle United goal - one that was greatly received by the travelling fans on that occasion. He netted his tenth goal in all competitions this season last time out. | Getty Images