Chelsea XI vs Newcastle: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca reverts back to strongest side for huge game at St James’ Park

Enzo Maresca has brought back his Chelsea big guns for their huge game at Newcastle.

Maresca fielded a much-changed side for Thursday’s Conference League semi-final second-leg win over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, including handing a first senior start to 16-year-old Reggie Walsh in midfield.

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But the Chelsea boss has made 10 changes at St James’ Park on Sunday for the first of what he has called “three finals” to ensure the Blues finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League.

Robert Sanchez replaces Filip Jorgensen in goal, while key attacking duo Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson start.

Maresca could pick an identical XI to that which stunned champions Liverpool last weekend, including a start for Romeo Lavia in midfield and Moises Caicedo as an auxiliary right-back.

Asked whether his lineup at Newcastle will be similar to the team named against Liverpool, Maresca said: “Yes, we’ll see it. The first match against Djurgarden also gave us a little bit of a chance to rotate and to protect players. We’ll see.”

Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman are all injured, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable.

Marc Guiu was not risked against Djurgarden but could make his return to the matchday squad if he passes a late fitness test.

Confirmed Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez (c); Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson

Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Sancho

Doubt: Guiu

Injured: Nkunku, Fofana, Kellyman

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 12pm BST on Sunday May 11, 2025

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle

How to watch: TNT Sports