Chelsea predicted line-up vs Newcastle: nine changes as Christopher Nkunku gets his chance to impress

Christopher Nkunku has been eagerly waiting to make an impact and will have the opportunity to lead the line when Chelsea visits St James’s Park this evening for their League Cup Round of 16 game against Newcastle. Chelsea emerged victorious three days ago in the Premier League, and like all big clubs, they are now aiming to reach the League Cup quarterfinals, and possibly go all the way.

This game, however, will reveal the true extent of the squad's strength, as they have so far faced opposition that hasn’t truly tested what manager Enzo Maresca himself described as his ideal team. The question, then, is whether Maresca will be tempted to blend his Cup squad with some players from the Premier League lineup.

Here is a predicted lineup for tonight’s game:

Goalkeeper and Defenders

This part of the squad will likely look different from the one that played over the weekend. Phillip Jorgensen is expected to replace Robert Sanchez in goal, while Axel Disasi, Tosin Aderabioyo, and Benoit Badiashile will form the central defence. Marc Cucurella, who missed the league game, should also return at left-back.

Midfielders

Enzo Fernandez faces one of the biggest challenges of his Chelsea career, especially after Romeo Lavia’s impressive performance over the weekend. Fernandez will get the chance to make his case, alongside Moises Caicedo, who is expected to be one of the few holdovers from the weekend squad. Cole Palmer is also expected to play, as he, like all top players, wants as much game time as possible.

Forwards

This is where the choices get trickier. Nicolas Jackson will make way for Christopher Nkunku, while Jadon Sancho will come in for Neto. Joao Felix is also likely to get a chance to play out wide in place of Noni Madueke.

Predicted Starting XI

Jorgensen; Disasi, Badiashile, Aderabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer; Nkunku, Sancho, Felix.