Chelsea face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon just three days before the clubs meet again in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The Blues will travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday evening and will aim to do so having tasted victory in the weekend’s Premier League duel. After a draw with Nottingham Forest and defeat to Liverpool in their most recent domestic encounters, Enzo Maresca’s side will be keen to get back to winning ways.
The west Londoners did secure a second successive Europa Conference League victory against Panathinaikos on Thursday, lifting them to the summit of the recently expanded 36-team table. An entirely changed XI strolled to a 4-1 victory, leaving a number of first-team stars well rested for the weekend.
Newcastle’s form has taken a concerning dip in recent weeks and they are now four Premier League matches without victory.
A goalless draw with Everton before the international break was followed by a disappointing home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last time out. Eddie Howe’s side lost both their trips to Stamford Bridge last season but did beat the Blues 4-1 on home soil.
Chelsea lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
