Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle - Carabao Cup
- Chelsea play host to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night
- The Blues have beaten AFC Wimbledon, Brighton and Blackburn Rovers on their way to the last eight
- Mauricio Pochettino still has a huge number of injuries
Chelsea host Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday evening, the Blues aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2015.
Chelsea dispatched AFC Wimbledon, Brighton and Blackburn Rovers on their way to the quarter-final, but now face their toughest test to date. The west London club lost 4-1 to Newcastle in late November, a game which epitomised the inconsistency of their season so far.
Mauricio Pochettino's side may have beaten Sheffield United 2-0 at the weekend, but they remain a fragile side - their issues only exacerbated by a raft of injuries.
With that in mind, here is how Chelsea could line up against Newcastle.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: Djordje Petrovic - With Robert Sanchez injured, Pochettino has few other options between the sticks. However, summer signing Petrovic did claim a clean sheet in his first start for the Blues at the weekend.
RB: Malo Gusto - Reece James' injury should have paved the way for a regular role in the team for young Gusto, but the French defender was sidelined himself. However, he made a brief cameo against Sheffield United and could get some minutes midweek. If Pochettino doesn't want to risk him, it will be Axel Disasi who features at right-back.
CB: Thiago Silva - Endured a nightmare afternoon at St. James' Park earlier this season and will hope for a more comfortable evening against Newcastle this Tuesday.
CB: Benoit Badiashile - The centre-back has suffered with injuries this season but is enjoying a run back in the team. The 22-year-old scored his second Chelsea goal in the last round against Blackburn.
LB: Levi Colwill - While primarily a centre-back, injuries to Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella have forced him into the left-back role. The young defender is a class act and is likely to play well anywhere across the backline.
CM: Moises Caicedo - Beginning to flex his muscles in a Chelsea shirt but still needs to offer greater consistency. Will have to be strong up against some combative Newcastle midfielders.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - Only came off the bench against Sheffield United which means he should be well rested for the Newcastle encounter. Pochettino may opt for another less attack-minded midfielder in the centre of the park on Tuesday.
RM: Cole Palmer - Chelsea's chief creative force in recent weeks and has proven himself a leader in a blue shirt. The former Manchester City man has scored some crucial goals for the London club.
AM: Conor Gallagher - Will likely sink into a deeper role but will still have the licence to bomb forward. Pochettino loves him, starting the midfielder in 18 of the Blues' 19 matches this term.
LM: Raheem Sterling - Alongside Palmer, Sterling appears the only one of Chelsea's attackers that can be relied upon for consistent contributions. Could come up against international teammate Kieran Trippier down the left flank.
ST: Nicolas Jackson - The Senegalese forward continues to mystify, underperforming his expected goals by nearly four in the Premier League. However, he has scored in some big games this season, finding the net against Manchester City and providing a hat-trick at Tottenham.
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