Chelsea Starting XI vs Newcastle United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Poised for Premier League Showdown at Newcastle

Maresca prioritises momentum over rotation

Enzo Maresca has made his intentions clear. The midweek European tie, with all its rotation and teenage debuts, served its purpose: progress and preservation. But come Sunday, Chelsea will walk into the cauldron of St James’ Park with their sharpest tools and fiercest mentality. Against a Newcastle side currently edging them in the Premier League table by the slimmest of margins – goals scored – there is no room left for experimentation.

“This is one of our three finals,” Maresca said, acknowledging the stakes. Champions League qualification is still within reach. But to get there, Chelsea must first bypass Eddie Howe’s well-drilled Newcastle, who have made Tyneside a formidable fortress this season.

Big names return for decisive clash

Only Marc Cucurella is expected to survive the wholesale changes from Thursday’s Conference League semi-final win over Djurgarden. Having featured in midfield midweek, the Spaniard will likely shift back to his more familiar role at left-back.

Robert Sanchez, rested for the European fixture, returns between the sticks. Cole Palmer – who scored his first goal since January in that eye-catching 3-1 win over Liverpool – will be central to Chelsea’s attack again. Nicolas Jackson, often inconsistent but always energetic, is also expected to start.

The midfield could see Romeo Lavia, finally fit and showing glimpses of his potential, paired with Enzo Fernandez. Maresca has hinted that Moises Caicedo might reprise his unusual but effective role at right-back.

Asked about team selection, Maresca said: “Yes, we’ll see it. The first match against Djurgarden also gave us a little bit of a chance to rotate and to protect players. We’ll see.”

Injury concerns limit Chelsea’s depth

The injury list remains a point of concern. Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, and Omari Kellyman are ruled out, while Mykhailo Mudryk is also unavailable. Marc Guiu, recovering from a knock, could return if he passes a late fitness test. His involvement would be timely, particularly given the physical demands expected from this encounter with Newcastle.

For Chelsea, there is little margin left for error. Anything less than three points risks falling further behind in a tight Premier League race for European places. But with Palmer’s return to form and a likely full-strength XI on the pitch, optimism remains quietly present.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Caicedo, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.