Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Jackson to thrive out wide again?

We have had a go at making the Chelsea predicted lineup for when they host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Monday night. The Blues drew 2-2 at fellow West London rivals Brentford last time out, while the Magpies were convincing 3-0 winners at home to Wolves.

The results mean Chelsea started this weekend's round of fixtures in 11th, four points behind eighth-placed Newcastle, albeit with a game in hand. After losing the Carabao Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool, Mauricio Pochettino still has a chance of winning silverware in his debut season at the Blues with the FA Cup, but they will want to improve on their league position too, and push for the European places.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Our analysis & selected markets

Goalkeeper/Defenders

Djordje Petrovic should start in goal for Chelsea again in the continued absence of Robert Sanchez. He has generally received positive reviews since stepping in between the posts, but has only managed to keep two clean sheets in the Premier League so far. Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella could start as wing-backs in a five-at-the-back system, while Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill could start as the three centre-backs.

In terms of aerial ability in the squad, Disasi leads the way as he wins 2.5 aerial duels per game on average, as shown by his headed equaliser against Brentford – his second league goal of the season. No other defender in our predicted lineup can match him in this regard, with Colwill on one goal. However, in terms of discipline, Disasi is also the joint-most ill-disciplined defender in our predicted XI with six yellow cards, while Gusto has received five and one red card.

Malo Gusto to be shown a card vs Newcastle – 17/5

Midfielders

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will be expected to continue in a double-pivot for the Blues, as Conor Gallagher could miss out through injury, hence a potential switch to a back five and two conventional central midfielders instead of three. They have only scored three league goals between them, with Enzo scoring all three, so is probably a betting market to avoid.

Instead, ill-discipline could be highlighted again, especially in the form of Caicedo, who has picked up seven yellow cards this season, more than any Chelsea midfielder. He also commits more fouls per game on average – 1.7 – than any other player in our predicted XI, and so this is a betting market that could bring joy.

Moises Caicedo to commit over 1.5 fouls vs Newcastle – 8/15

Attackers

Cole Palmer is usually the first name on the team sheet for Chelsea given his performances this season, and he could play centrally again with Nicolas Jackson moving out wide, while we think Mykhailo Mudryk could be given a rare start given the injuries the Blues have. It would only be his 10th Premier League start this campaign, but three goals and two assists suggests he is capable of attacking output.

Palmer leads the way in terms of goals and assists in the squad with 10 and seven respectively in the league so far, but Jackson's goal against Brentford was his eighth of the campaign, and put him second on the list of goalscorers. Nonetheless, his newly-found wide role seems to have eased the pressure off him and given him confidence, and he could well open the scoring again against Newcastle, a betting market that should be looked at.

Nicolas Jackson first goalscorer vs Newcastle – 13/2