No Premier League club needs the World Cup break quite like Chelsea. Injuries have robbed Graham Potter of key players, results have been poor in the top flight, and it's been several years since the mood among the club's fanbase was quite so dark.
Yet before many of the Chelsea players jet off to Qatar to represent their countries – and those not selected enjoy a well-deserved break – the Blues face Newcastle United at St James' Park. It is not an easy fixture; Eddie Howe's side are third in the Premier League table and unbeaten in their previous ten matches in all competitions.
"I think Eddie has done a fantastic job," said Potter ahead of the game. "He has improved the players that were there, improved the team with some really good recruitment – they've spent some money to reinforce the team. I could speak for half an hour about how good I think Eddie is as a person and as a coach. I have huge admiration for him, and he has galvanised the team, and there is fantastic support there at St James' Park."
READ MORE The 13 Chelsea stars not going to the World Cup and what Graham Potter has planned for them
Victory for Chelsea this evening is much needed. Yet as has been the case for much of his tenure, Potter will be unable to name a full-strength side with Kepa Arrizabalaga (foot), Reece James (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Ben Chilwell (hamstring), N'Golo Kante (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (hamstring) all ruled out.
In goal for the Blues will be Edouard Mendy. The Senegal international had lost his starting role following the appointment of Potter, but Kepa's absence has enabled Mendy to return to the starting XI.
Having run a back four against Arsenal last weekend – without any success – it's likely Potter will go with a back three against Newcastle. Trevoh Chalobah is the clear choice to start on the right of defence, with Thiago Silva in the centre and Kalidou Koulibaly on the left.
Potter has experimented in previous matches in the wing-back positions but may opt to go with the tried-and-trusted figure of Cesar Azpilicueta on the right and Marc Cucurella on the left.
Jorginho didn't feature in midweek against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup due to injury but undertook training yesterday at Cobham and could return in midfield. If Mateo Kovacic is able to start once again – the Croatian has been nursing a knee issue since pre-season – he is the likely partner for Jorginho.
Raheem Sterling is expected to come back into the Chelsea attack, having only featured off the substitutes' bench against Man City. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may start as the number nine and should be well-rested. And Mason Mount can then complete the front three, either on the left or right.
Predicted Chelsea side: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Aubameyang, Sterling
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter gifted unexpected Chelsea boost after Spain World Cup squad announcement
Graham Potter provides Jorginho injury update as Chelsea receive Newcastle boost
Chelsea are in an identity crisis with Graham Potter and cannot lean on Roman Abramovich trick
Full list of Chelsea players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup with double omission as Gallagher in
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridg
