At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea faces Newcastle United in an enticing EFL Cup quarter-final fixture, pitting two Premier League sides against each other.
Match Preview
Chelsea, bolstered by a win against Sheffield United, aims to continue their positive trajectory. The Blues are determined to advance in the EFL Cup after progressing past Blackburn Rovers.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s resounding 3-0 victory over Manchester United propelled them to this stage.
Chelsea, seeking to fortify their home record, is eager to maintain their exceptional EFL Cup form, having secured victory in their last four quarter-final encounters.
Newcastle, despite recent away struggles, knocked out both Manchester clubs in earlier rounds.
Form Guide
Chelsea (All Competitions): DLWLLW
Newcastle United (All Competitions): DWLLLW
Team News
Chelsea anticipates the potential debut of Christopher Nkunku, recently recovered from a knee injury.
However, numerous key players, including Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Noni Madueke, remain sidelined due to various injuries.
Pochettino may reintroduce Enzo Fernandez, Armando Broja, and Malo Gusto into the lineup.
Newcastle faces a growing injury crisis, with concerns over Joelinton and Fabian Schar after sustaining muscular issues in their previous match.
The absence of Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, and others further complicates their selection. Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak require assessments ahead of the game, while Lewis Hall is ineligible against his parent club.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea Possible Starting XI: (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic;
Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Maatsen;
Caicedo, Fernandez;
Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer;
Broja
Newcastle United Possible Starting XI: (4-3-3)
Dubravka;
Krafth, Lascelles, Botman, Burn;
Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff;
Ritchie, Wilson, Almiron
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United
Chelsea holds an advantage playing at home, while Newcastle struggles on the road. Expecting a close encounter, Chelsea might capitalize on Newcastle’s recent fatigue and injury concerns, edging closer to EFL Cup success.
