The Premier League returns this weekend and Newcastle United face a tough test against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.
The Magpies were defeated by Bournemouth last time out and will once again be without a host of key players when the Blues make the trip to the north east.
Despite all of this, there is hope that Eddie Howe’s side can repeat the performance that saw them defeat Arsenal at the beginning of the month, despite all of these injury and selection worries.
Here, we take a look at what team Howe could name for the clash against Chelsea:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Although Pope conceded twice against Bournemouth last time out, he still made some crucial saves to keep the score down at the Vitality Stadium. He has kept four Premier League clean sheets in a row at St James’ Park.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Injuries across the back line - and Lewis Hall’s ineligibility to face his parent club - means Livramento will likely get the nod on Saturday.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has gone from hardly playing to being needed game after game. He has put in shift after shift and has been a key part of Newcastle’s successes in recent times.
4. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar didn’t feature for his country during the international break, however, it is expected that he will be fit to face Chelsea.