Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is missing nine players through injury as he names a strong side for their Carabao Cup quarter-final game against Newcastle this evening. The Blues are looking to win the League Cup for the first time since 2015 but they will have to first get past Eddie Howe's team to keep that dream alive.
Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia are all nursing injuries and won't be available tonight.
The Blues however, have welcomed back Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku both on the bench for this one as Pochettino looks to give French forward Nkunku his debut after a knee injury in pre-season kept him out for the last four months.
He was on the bench against Sheffield United last weekend, but the Argentinian manager said he did not want to risk him. He did assure fans that he would give him a runout today against the Magpies. Chelsea have endured a difficult start to the season with just six wins from 17 league games, so the Carabao Cup is a route to Europe next season.
This game is also a chance to immediately respond to their 4-1 defeat to Eddie Howe's side at St James' Park just a couple of weeks ago. So with that in mind, this is the team the Chelsea boss has named as he aims for a big win that takes his side to the last four of this season's League Cup.
1. Djordje Petrovic- 6
Not much he could do about the goal he conceded even though his kicking was suspect. Saved a penalty to help the team to the win. | Getty Images
2. Levi Colwill -4
It was his heavy pass which was missed by Caicedo and messed up by Badiashile for the first goal. Replaced by at half time | Getty Images
3. Thiago Silva- 6
Won a sliding tackle to get the Chelsea fans on their feet, battled well with Wilson all game. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Benoit Badiashile -5
Made a mess of a simple pass and Wilson capitalised for the first goal. Strong second half display. | Getty Images