Chelsea could drop three players v Newcastle as Christopher Nkunku set for debut
'No fear at home' | Mauricio Pochettino reviews Chelsea's win against Sheffield United
Mauricio Pochettino may decide to swap out three of the players who started Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United for the visit of Newcastle on Tuesday. The Blues are vying for a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and it represents one of their biggest chances at silverware this season. Here, Express Sport has taken a look at the likely candidates to miss out at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva
Two games in such quick succession may prove to be too much for veteran defender Thiago Silva, having played the entire 90 minutes against Chris Wilder’s side on Saturday. The 39-year-old has proven to be the bedrock of Pochettino’s defence but now with more options at the back, Silva could be handed a rest ahead of the upcoming busy festive schedule.
With captain Reece James set for another extended spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Malo Gusto could prove to be a pivotal player over the next few months. He has only recently recovered from an injury himself though and came off the bench against Sheffield United, but could step up his comeback with a start against Newcastle. Axel Disasi would then move central with Silva dropping out.
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Nicolas Jackson
Even though Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net against Sheffield United, Pochettino may feel that it is an opportune time to give Armando Broja another chance from the kick-off. Since recovering from a long-term ACL injury, the 22-year-old has made just three starts this season.
Christopher Nkunku is likely to make his Chelsea debut against Newcastle, potentially off the bench, but another forward option for Broja to compete with will have the Albanian knocking on Pochettino’s door for another opportunity to impress. He could get his chance on Tuesday.
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Mykhaylo Mudryk
Enzo Fernandez was left out of the Chelsea team on Saturday, but may return as part of a midfield trio with Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo to combat a stronger Newcastle side. This would likely come at the expense of one of the Blues’ forwards, as any of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer or Raheem Sterling could miss out.
However, Palmer has been the heartbeat of Chelsea’s attack since his arrival from Manchester City and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Pochettino could favour Sterling ahead of Mudryk on the left, to use his experience up against the rested Kieran Trippier, opting instead to use the Ukrainian from the bench to terrorise tired Newcastle legs.
Chelsea predicted XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill; Gallagher, Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Broja, Sterling.
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