Chelsea vs Newcastle: Preview, Team News and Predicted Line Ups

• Chelsea vs Newcastle will see the Blues seek to put their off-field woes behind them when they host the Magpies
• Both teams are expected to miss the services of a number of key players, with the trio of Pulisic, Azpilicueta and Alonso major doubts
• Newcastle will be heading to Stamford Bridge off a fine run of form and will be looking to win at Chelsea for the first time since 2012

Crisis-ridden Chelsea are set to host Newcastle United for a mouthwatering Premier League clash on Sunday, March 13, at Stamford Bridge.

The clash comes a time Chelsea are struggling with off-field challenges following the sanctioning of the club owner, Roman Abramovich.

However, they will be looking to put that behind them when they lock horns with a rejuvenated Newcastle side as they push for a fifth-straight victory in the Premier League.

Match preview

Fresh from their midweek victory over Norwich, Thomas Tuchel's charges have all it takes to salvage a favourable result against Newcastle.

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The west Londoners have collected 56 points from their 27 league games this season and currently sit six points clear of fourth-placed Man United.

On their part, Newcastle have equally enjoyed a fine run of results that has seen them steer clear of the relegation zone.

A run of six wins and a draw from their past seven games has them sitting 14th on the log and nine points off the drop.

Given their impressive form in recent weeks, Eddie Howe's charges have genuine hopes of recording a first win at Stamford Bridge in a decade.

Team news

Chelsea are in line to miss the services of a number of key players including Ben Chilwell and Reece James.

The trio of Christian Pulisic, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso remain doubts due to illness, meaning Malang Sarr could be introduced at left-back if Alonso does not recover in time.

N'Golo Kante, Antonio Rudiger and Hakim Ziyech are expected to make the starting XI, with Romelu Lukaku likely to continue on the bench.

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In the Newcastle camp, Jamal Lewis, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Isaac Hayden are all out.

However, Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton should all be passed fit for the London trip.

Possible starting XI

Chelsea:

Mendy; Christensen, T Silva, Rudiger, Sarr; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount

Newcastle:

Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin, Wood, Murphy