The 2-1 win at Southampton on Thursday meant it's now three consecutive victories for Newcastle United and they travel to Chelsea on Sunday, hopeful of a win to compound the misery surrounding the Blues after UK Government sanctions brought against their owner Roman Abramovich.
Eddie Howe will have a decision to make in terms of his starting XI at Stamford Bridge as he suggested after the Southampton win that he might pick a more physical team to cope with Chelsea. There is also the matter of the short turnaround time since Thursday. However, recent performances have been so good that it seems most likely that the team will remain unchanged from the most recent win.
The Southampton fixture was particularly pleasing for Howe as it featured Chris Wood's first goal since making his £25million move from Burnley, whilst Bruno Guimaraes made his first start for the club and played for over an hour. It was his goal which settled the match, completing the turnaround after the home side had earlier led through a Stuart Armstrong strike.
READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes' 'brave' Newcastle decision pays off amid Martin Dubravka concern
Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin could return to the squad after late fitness tests but they seem most likely to be on the bench if they are available, rather than being given a start. Were they 100% fit, they would almost certainly be included in the starting XI as two players who could cause the home side problems with their powerful ball carrying and speed.
Here is the predicted Magpies XI:
Dubravka, Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett, Shelvey, Willock, Guimaraes, Murphy, Fraser, Wood
