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The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's Premier League clash with Newcastle United with head coach Liam Rosenior facing some difficult selection decisions
Less than 72 hours after losing at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea are back in action this evening as they welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have the opportunity to climb back into the top four of the Premier League table with three points. With fourth-place Aston Villa in action at third-place Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, this could be a huge weekend for Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior said in the aftermath of the defeat in Paris that he is expecting a positive reaction from his players, after a poor final 20 minutes at Parc des Princes, where three goals were conceded to make Chelsea's job next week much tougher. Rosenior faces a number of big selection calls for this evening's game, particularly with that second leg to come on Tuesday.
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With this being said, football.london takes a look at the XI Rosenior might field today:
Filip Jorgensen
Judging from the way Rosenior was talking about the goalkeeper situation in yesterday's press conference, it sounds like Jorgensen could get the nod. Newcastle, like Aston Villa and PSG, are expected to press Chelsea high so it will be interesting to see what approach Rosenior takes in terms of his goalkeeper.
Malo Gusto
Today could be a chance to rest Reece James after the Chelsea captain completed a gruelling 90 minutes in Paris. Gusto could start at right-back as he looks to build on what was an impressive performance in the Champions League in the week.
Mamadou Sarr
Wesley Fofana might be rested for this one, meaning Sarr could return to the side. Sarr has impressed in his handful of appearances since returning to the club.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah might be asked to go again. The Cobham graduate didn't have the greatest of nights on Wednesday but is likely to keep his place in the centre of defence for Chelsea this evening.
Jorrel Hato
Rosenior might also take the chance to rest Marc Cucurella for the second leg against PSG, especially given the Spaniard has only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Hato has been impressive ever since Rosenior took over and could start this one.
Romeo Lavia
The 22-year-old made his first start since returning from injury last weekend in the FA Cup fifth round win in Wrexham. Lavia could make just his second Premier League start of the campaign - with his last being in the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest on October 18.
Moises Caicedo
Even with the PSG game next week, you would expect Caicedo to start this match as well. The Ecuadorian has not been at his brilliant best under Rosenior, although that is a very high standard.
Cole Palmer
A difficult one to call. The 23-year-old has struggled with fitness problems all season-long. Palmer, though, could start against Newcastle, perhaps with the view of getting him off after an hour or so with PSG to come a few days later.
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez was Chelsea's best player in Paris and could be used from the start once again this evening. The Argentine might be the No.10 behind the striker as he looks to continue what has been a superb season.
Alejandro Garnacho
Pedro Neto is banned for this one, with the FA confirming on Friday that the Chelsea winger will serve a one-match suspension. Garnacho has been in good form in recent appearances and will once again be looking to impress Rosenior. Jamie Gittens could return to the squad after over a month out with a hamstring injury.
Joao Pedro
The in-form man in a Chelsea shirt at the moment. Eleven goals in the Brazil international's last 13 matches for the Blues. Perhaps Liam Delap is an option given the PSG game and the tight turnaround, but surely Joao Pedro is asked to go again.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Sarr, Chalobah, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
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