Another one of those Premier League Summer Series in the USA. This time Chelsea take on Newcastle in what should be another glimpse of what fans can expect from both these clubs in the upcoming season.
Chelsea have begun life under new manager Mauricio Pochettino brilliantly with two wins against Wrexham and Brighton. The Blues have been busy in the market this window.
However, unlike their previous two windows under the new ownership of Todd Boehly, the Stamford Bridge outfit have focused more on outgoings this summer. New arrivals have also made their mark in emphatic fashion as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku begin to settle down in the Chelsea dressing room.
Newcastle on the other hand have had a decent start to the pre-season themselves. With three matches against Gateshead, Rangers and Aston Villa, the Magpies have won two, having drawn their recent one against Unai Emery‘s new-look Villains.
Eddie Howe has helped transform the new Saudi-backed club and will be playing Champions League football this season. It will be interesting how Howe and Newcastle juggle European and League duties after qualifying for Europe’s premier competition after 20 years.
Both these clubs have similar league ambitions this season, that is finishing in the Champions League spots. Anything less than that will be a step back in their efforts to compete with the best in the world. Keeping that in mind, both sets of players will look to grab every given opportunity with both hands, showing their manager they are ready for even the toughest of opponents.
Chelsea vs Newcastle lineups
Chelsea predicted lineup
Mauricio Pochettino has slowly started integrating his senior players on the pitch. While he fielded a host of youngsters against Wrexham, normal service was resumed against Brighton with most of the senior squad players returning.
Not much has changed on the injury front, with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja still out. reece James travelled with the squad for the match against the Seagulls but wasn’t risked by Pochettino. The right-back might get some minutes under his belt with the Argentine manager keen to help him build his fitness before the start of the new season.
In goal, Kepa should keep his spot. Guarding him in defence should be a back four of Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell. It is the midfield where Pochettino has a real selection dilemma.
All his available central midfielders have impressed in the previous two games. And if the news of Moises Caicedo’s arrival at Chelsea is to be believed, the Blues might have to make a tough choice. Andrey Santos should get yet another start from his manager alongside Enzo Fernandez.
The last midfield spot will be fought for between Casadei, Chukwuemeka and Gallagher. Nkunku should start up front with Jackson available from the bench. Expect Mudryk to start after his stunner against Brighton. Raheem Sterling, despite his wastefulness in the final third, should start ahead of the likes of Maatsen and Madueke.
Predicted Chelsea lineup: Kepa, Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Chilwell, Enzo, Santos, Gallagher, Mudryk, Sterling, Nkunku
Newcastle predicted lineup
Eddie Howe, like Pochettino, will have some key players missing for this game. Nick Pope is out at least for the next two weeks with an injury. Jamaal Lascelles, Jow Willock and Jacob Murphy are also out from action till the start of the new season.
Saint-Maximin also will play no part in the game against Chelsea, with his move being finalised to the Saudi League.
Predicted Newcastle lineup: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimares, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction
Chelsea have shown some different kind of spirit under the new manager, Newcastle meanwhile are still beginning to feel what lies ahead of them in the upcoming grueling season.
The Blues are on a roll and don’t look like stopping. And with the kind of form they are in front of goal, expect Newcastle to play on the back foot. Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle.
