The expected outcome for Monday’s game is a Chelsea win over Newcastle United, but the Magpies’ altered style of play has sparked new confidence in the squad. Graeme Jones is getting the best out of every key player offensively, and fans are hoping Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron will be in top form for this one.
The dynamic duo have been a joy to watch in recent weeks as they have become a regular nuisance for defenders in this new 4-3-3 shape. With Callum Wilson officially ruled out for the next eight weeks with a hamstring injury he picked up in the 3-2 win over Southampton, others need to step up to fill his void.
Chelsea are finding their rhythm under new manager Thomas Tuchel as they have won their last three Premier League games and occupy fifth place in the standings. Newcastle United have sufficient talent in midfield, especially with the arrival of Joe Willock from Arsenal, to make this game exciting, but clinical finishing and defensive awareness for 90 minutes will be critical.
Everyone knows what the Toon must do in order to frustrate Chelsea and take something from the game, but what is the best available team for Newcastle United to deploy at Stamford Bridge?
It is time for Steve Bruce to make right call and start Dwight Gayle to lead the front line.
Playing Chelsea head on in a 4-3-3 formation without Wilson’s services up top would be too dangerous for Newcastle United. The visitors should still place more emphasis on attacking and applying high pressure, but through a more balanced formation, such as the 4-2-3-1.
Martin Dubravka needs to be integrated back into the starting lineup. Karl Darlow was phenomenal while the Slovakian was recovering from his surgery, but he has been inconsistent as of late. Newcastle United need to claim more clean sheets to improve their goal differential (-13).
To assist with keeping the goals out, the back four should consist of Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth as wing-backs, with Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez serving as anchors in the center. This would then allow Isaac Hayden to move up to his natural position as a defensive midfielder to play alongside Jonjo Shelvey.
In front of that duo in the middle of the park, it would be a major shock if the three attacking midfielders were not Allan Saint-Maximin, Joe Willock, and Miguel Almiron. Saint-Maximin is at his best out wide, but we could see Almiron and Willock rotating with each other from the wing to the number ten role.
Last, but not least, Dwight Gayle is the only name that deserves to start at the striker position with Wilson out. Andy Carroll is too slow, and Joelinton simply roams around like a nomad who does not know where to go. Gayle, on the other hand, is a quick striker who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is the Magpies’ best bet up top.
Recap
Dubravka; Ritchie, Fernandez, Clark, Krafth; Hayden, Shelvey; Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Willock; Gayle.