This weekend, the Premier League has some tasty fixtures. Chelsea fans will look forward to welcoming their Carabao Cup quarter final opponents Newcastle back to Stamford bridge on Monday evening. With that being said, in true The Top Flight fashion, here is our combined Chelsea vs Newcastle lineup ahead of the mid-table Premier League clash.
But before we jump in, let's address the ground rules. Firstly, it will only feature players available for this weekend's game, therefore injured and suspended players will not count. Secondly, this is based on current form, not form from the start of the season or last season. Thirdly, it will be in 4-3-3 formation, for the purpose of squeezing in as much quality as possible.
Without further ado, here is the Chelsea vs Newcastle lineup...
Combined Chelsea vs Newcastle lineup
GK - Dorde Petrovic. Nick Pope is injured, otherwise he'd be the obvious choice. Robert Sanchez is back from injury but Petrovic has looked more assured between the sticks.
RB - Malo Gusto. Gusto has been in great form in 2024 and with Kieran Trippier injured, this choice became easier.
CB - Thiago Silva. The veteran has still got it, racking up 22 Premier League appearances this season and even scoring two goals.
CB - Fabian Schar. One of the best bargains of all time. Schar has been in great form throughout most of this season, being Newcastle's diamond in the rough.
LB - Ben Chilwell. Chilwell is the obvious choice for me. Chelsea are blessed with amazing full-backs, even if they are not blessed with much else.
CM - Bruno Guimaraes. One of the best Premier League midfielders. The Brazilian-turned-Geordie will be up for the physcial demands of this match.
CM - Conor Gallagher. In my opinion, he's been Chelsea's best player this season. The Englishman is a mainstay under Pochettino and they must do everything in their power to deter interest from elsewhere.
CM - Enzo Fernandez. One of the first names on the team sheet under Poch and given that most Newcastle midfielders are injured, this is an easy choice.
RW - Cole Palmer. He's more than likely to feature through the middle but I couldn't not include Palmer. What a season and what a signing.
CF - Alexander Isak. The choice between Isak and Jackson was a tough one but Isak gets it for more. The Sweden international is cool in front of cool and has immense technical ability.
LW - Anthony Gordon. Again, Gordon has been one of the best players for Newcastle this season and he's scored two goals in his last three Premier League outings.
Who makes your combined Chelsea vs Newcastle lineup?