Chelsea are set to play their final game of the Premier League season this afternoon as Frank Lampard prepares to hand over to incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues take on high-flying Newcastle just days after the Magpies secured Champions League qualification - something Chelsea will be hoping to reclaim next season.
The west Londoners have endured a dismal 2022/23 campaign with both Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel having been sacked this term. Todd Boehly has spent over £600million on new signings in the last two transfer windows - but that investment has not been repaid with performances on the pitch.
Lampard is facing a number of injury concerns ahead of his last game in charge with Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Raheem Sterling and N'Golo Kante all ruled out of the clash against Eddie Howe's side. Mason Mount could return to the matchday squad this afternoon despite his future remaining uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window.
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As Lampard prepares for his last game as caretaker boss, football.london takes a look at three ways the Blues could lineup against Newcastle.
Carney Chukwuemeka decision
Carney Chukwuemeka completed a £20million move to Chelsea from Aston Villa last summer but has struggled to nail down a starting spot in the team. The young midfielder was handed his first start since the 0-0 draw against Liverpool in January earlier this week as the Blues suffered a 4-1 defeat against Manchester United.
The 19-year-old could be given the start once again against Newcastle this afternoon as he looks to impress Pochettino ahead of pre-season.
Mykhailo Mudryk starts
Mykhailo Mudryk has endured a difficult six months at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukraine international completed an £88million move to Chelsea but has failed to repay that investment with performances on the pitch.
With Sterling set to miss the clash against the Magpies, Mudryk could be handed the start this afternoon as he looks to finally prove why the Blues paid big money for his signature.
Azpilicueta farewell?
Cesar Azpilicueta's future at Chelsea is uncertain heading into the summer transfer window with the Spaniard entering the final 12 months of his current deal. The veteran defender has suffered with injury problems this season and may be one of many departures ahead of next season after having to settle for limited minutes in the first team.
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