Team news (via Sky Sports)
Lampard has confirmed that Pulisic is still out with a ‘problematic’ hamstring issue whereas Thiago Silva is expected to be rested after flying in from South America on Thursday.
Kai Havertz is back in training after recovering from Covid-19 but he is unlikely to start as he looks to regain fitness.
Chilwell is back in training and should start.
The Magpies will definitely be without Ryan Fraser while Shelvey and Ritchie are not expected to be risked.
Forward Callum Wilson is set to face a late fitness test after recovering from a hamstring issue.
Stats to know (via Opta)
- Chelsea have won 5 of their past 7 Premier League meetings against Newcastle, although they've kept only 1 clean sheet during this run.
- The Magpies have only lost once in their past 7 home league games against Chelsea (W5, D1).
- Chelsea are yet to lose an away league fixture this season (W2, D2) and have kept back-to-back clean sheets on the road.
- Timo Werner can become the first Chelsea player to score in five successive matches in all competitions since Didier Drogba in November 2009.
Predicted line-up
Mendy, James, Rudiger, Zouma, Chilwell, Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Ziyech, Abraham, Werner
Predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
"Newcastle will be awkward, perhaps even more so than usual, after their non-performance in their defeat at Southampton last time out. Magpies boss Steve Bruce will try to make them much tighter, and they will have to be to keep Chelsea out.
Frank Lampard's side were just hitting their stride before the international break, especially in attack - they created so many chances in their win over Sheffield United."
Lewis Jones, Sky Sports: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
"Steve Bruce can be a fiddly customer to overcome when the underdog - home wins against Manchester United and Chelsea last season proves that. However, timing has to be key when foreseeing when an unexpected Toon result is on the horizon. This is not one of those occasions."
Quotes from the managers:
- Lampard:
"Sometimes home fans can bring pressure. Newcastle is always difficult. We have the early kick-off, it's not an excuse but it's a fact. Steve Bruce is a great manager who deserves huge credit.
"We feel strong and that’s not easy with a big squad. "It feels like we’re working in a good direction, with the understanding that we need everybody in the squad as we go through this season because it’s a long marathon that is as congested as it’s ever been."
- Steve Bruce:
“Chelsea have bought exceptionally good players. That makes life a bit easier if you're a manager. They've started finding that balance & I believe they will be there or thereabouts because they are a very, very good side.”
