Chelsea picked up a 3-0 win against Burnley 3-0 in the Premier League and next up they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The Blues are currently fourth on the league table – five points clear of Man United who are on the fifth spot so this game against the Magpies is a must-win for Lampard’s men or else United and co will be breathing down their neck.
Chelsea go into this match as the favourites more so since the home side have lost three out of their last four league matches and could only salvage a draw vs Wolves in their previous encounter.
Also after dealing with a number of injury concerns, Frank Lampard is finally able to pick from a largely fit squad with the only notable absentees being Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Chelsea team news vs NUFC:
Rudiger and Christensen played had a solid outing vs Burnley and the pair is expected to keep their place in central defence meaning Zouma and Tomori will both start on the bench on Saturday.
Marcos Alonso is expected to be fit from his injury but we don’t think he or either Emerson will get to start since the pairing of Azpilicueta and Reece James and done superbly.
N’Golo Kante had to pull out of the squad during the final moment last weekend but the Frenchman should return back to action against the Magpies.
And with Kante returning, Ross Barkley will most probably fall down the pecking order despite receiving so much praise from his manager last weekend.
Some claim, Barkley could keep his place but we don’t think Lampard will risk doing that especially in an away game.
Jorginho and Mason Mount are both expected to keep their place in central midfield.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was another standout performer vs Burnley last weekend and the youngster collected a lot of accolades from his manager after the match.
And since Pulisic is still sidelined with an injury, the academy graduate will once again be named in the starting XI at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Willian started on the right flank while Tammy Abraham played down the middle last weekend for Chelsea and we expect the arrangement to remain the same this week as well.
