How Newcastle United Will Line Up Against Chelsea
After two defeats in a row, Newcastle United will look to get back to winning ways this weekend—but they’ll have to halt a rampant Chelsea side to do so.
The Blues have won their last six matches in all competitions, beating the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City along the way.
With the Londoners currently second in the Premier League, and with Jose Mourinho’s men in such a sparkling form, the Magpies will need to be at their best—and then some.
Toon boss Alan Pardew is under increased pressure following defeat to local rivals Sunderland and knows another heavy loss could spell trouble.
So as the 52-year-old looks to lift the gloom around St. James’ Park, we look at his potential starting XI for this Saturday’s all-important clash.
Goalkeeper: Tim Krul
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Given that Rob Elliot is his only realistic competition at St. James’ Park, Dutchman Tim Krul has little to worry about when it comes to wearing the gloves for Newcastle United.
Despite conceding 10 goals in his last five games, the 25-year-old international will be one of the first names on Alan Pardew’s teamsheet for the visit of Chelsea this weekend.
With a constantly altering cast in front of him, the Toon’s back four need all the stability they can get. And on his day, Krul can be the difference between holding on to a good result and going home with nothing.
Full-Backs: Mathieu Debuchy and Davide Santon
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Newcastle United are pretty much out of options at left-back following their League Cup defeat to Manchester City, which means a recall for Davide Santon is a certainty.
Both Massadio Haidara and Paul Dummett left the field injured in midweek, and with emergency stand-in Jonas Gutierrez still unavailable, Santon will have the position all to himself.
The same can also be said of Mathieu Debuchy on the other flank. Despite the Frenchman putting in a 120-minute shift on Wednesday, the former Lille man will get the nod out of pure necessity.
Centre-Backs: Mike Williamson and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
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Though Alan Pardew would dearly love to name club captain Fabricio Coloccini in his starting XI to face Chelsea, the Argentinian remains a doubt for this weekend’s clash.
In his place, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is expected to deputise and is available once more having missed Newcastle United’s last league game through suspension.
The Frenchman also endured an extended workout against Manchester City, as did Mike Williamson. But with Steven Taylor also sidelined, the pair will have to do it all again against Fernando Torres and Co.
Central Midfielders: Vurnon Anita and Cheick Tiote
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Newcastle United may be on the ropes following successive defeats to Sunderland and Manchester City, but stand-in skipper Cheick Tiote is as far removed from blame as anyone.
The Ivorian enforcer has been inspirational in recent weeks, and his strength and work ethic could be vital as the Magpies attempt to curb the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar.
Alongside him in the Toon’s engine room, surely it is time for Vurnon Anita to regain his place at the expense of Moussa Sissoko.
Dutchman Anita was one of the Magpies’ most consistent performers during the early part of the season—an accolade that has rarely been used to describe Sissoko.
Attacking Midfielder: Yohan Cabaye
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Having spent three-quarters of Wednesday’s cup-tie watching from the bench, Frenchman Yohan Cabaye fully expects to be named in the starting XI for the visit of Chelsea.
The international—who is, along with countryman Mathieu Debuchy, one booking away from a suspension—will be tasked with unlocking the Blues’ back four as well as posing a threat from distance.
Cabaye is one of several players who owe Newcastle United and their fans a big performance following the derby defeat to Sunderland, and what better time to deliver than this weekend?
Wide Forwards: Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran
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In truth, Hatem Ben Arfa has been completely ineffectual of late—and much of that boils down his positioning.
Alan Pardew has seen fit to use the Frenchman in a central role in his last two league games, with alarmingly poor consequences.
The former Marseille man’s early form this term has all but disappeared, and until the 26-year-old is utilised properly in a more liberating role, the more frustrating he’ll become.
It remains to be seen whether the Toon boss reverts to using Loic Remy as a traditional striker, but if he does, expect to see Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran either side of him.
Centre-Forward: Loic Remy
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Though Papiss Cisse was given the nod in the No. 9 role against Manchester City on Wednesday, his inability to find the net for Newcastle United should result in a recall for Loic Remy.
The on-loan forward was an unused substitute in midweek and the Frenchman’s fresh legs could be put to good use, provided his manager plays to his strengths.
It’s almost a month since the 26-year-old got on the scoresheet for the Magpies, and a return to form in front of goal would be well-timed against Jose Mourinho’s men.
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