Newcastle United will be keen to come away from Stamford Bridge with a positive result when they take on Chelsea this weekend.
The Magpies head into the fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw against Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup.
Chelsea, meanwhile, defeated Nottingham Forest in the same competition before being defeated during the week. The Blues were condemned to a 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Rafa Benitez will be well aware of his side’s underdog status ahead of the trip to his former team but will be keen to spring a surprise following the London club’s recent shortcomings in the Premier League.
Here is how we expect Newcastle to line up against Chelsea.
Martin Dubravka
Dubravka is the undisputed number one and will start against the Blues. He’s in for a busy evening.
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin is likely to occupy the right-hand side, with Benitez poised to select him as a wing-back.
Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles will need to be on top form as he faces Chelsea’s tricky forwards.
Federico Fernandez
Fernandez is fit and could operate in the middle of a back three.
Ciaran Clark
Clark, too, has been passed fit and is set to play against the Blues.
Javi Manquillo
With Paul Dummett ruled out, Manquillo is set to start on the left.
Isaac Hayden
Hayden has seen his future at St James’ Park come into question lately. He is, however, set to start in central midfield.
Sean Longstaff
Mohamed Diame is a doubt, Ki Sung-yueng is away on international duty and Jonjo Shelvey is injured. It could be a big game for Longstaff.
Matt Ritchie
Ritchie calmly dispatched a penalty against Blackburn and is set to start against Chelsea.
Ayoze Perez
Perez will look to provide some creativity between the lines.