Newcastle XI prediction: Bruce reshuffles squad with 5 changes vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United fans should expect changes in every outfield position for the game against Chelsea on Saturday.

Newcastle United will be back in action this weekend after two weeks away from the pitch as a result of the international break. The two weeks dedicated to training for the players not on international duty came at the perfect time for the Magpies.

Last time out Steve Bruce’s men forced the Toon Army to lower their heads in shame after what might have been one of the worst performances since the club was promoted in 2017.

Southampton dominated the game from start to finish, and Newcastle United made it easy for the Saints with the way they gave the ball away through careless passing and excessive dribbling.

Bruce made it clear that he will rethink his entire lineup ahead of the Chelsea clash. That being said, when taking injuries and player form into consideration, this is the lineup Bruce will most likely deploy against Chelsea.

Previous Lineup vs. Southampton

Formation: 5-3-2

Darlow; Lewis, Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar, Murphy; Almiron, Hendrick, Longstaff, Saint-Maximin, Wilson

Lineup Prediction vs. Chelsea

Formation: 5-4-1

Knowing Bruce and his tactics, fans should not expect Newcastle United to take the game to Chelsea in the way Southampton and West Brom did earlier this season. The Magpies will park the bus for 80 minutes and open up toward the end if they are still in the game.

Karl Darlow will be in goal, and ahead of him will be a back five composed of Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, and Javier Manquillo. Clark has not featured yet this season due to injury, but he is recovered now and was called up to the Ireland squad, and Manquillo will take his place back as Murphy will be deployed higher up the pitch.

Joining Murphy as a winger on the opposite flank will, without a doubt, be Allan Saint-Maximin, and the dynamic Frenchman will need to carry the offense without Callum Wilson. Wilson has not been officially ruled out, but patience is needed with hamstring injuries.

With Miguel Almiron being halfway around the world for his international duty, Bruce will most likely keep the disgruntled star on the bench.

The duo in the middle will consist of the aggressive Isaac Hayden and energetic Matty Longstaff, who made his first appearance of the season as a substitute against Southampton.

Finally, with Wilson expected to sit this one out, Bruce will call on his favorite unproductive striker Andy Carroll. As mentioned above, Newcastle United will lock down like a bunker hoping Chelsea will waste 99% of their chances.

Recap:

Darlow; Lewis, Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Manquillo; Murphy, Hayden, M. Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Carroll.