Graeme Jones stuck with Karl Darlow in goal for Newcastle United but Martin Dubravka took a step closer to a return by taking a place on the bench.
In terms of outfield selection from Jones, the ex-Luton Town boss stuck with the same side that held Crystal Palace to a 1-1 draw last weekend.
That meant no start for Miguel Almiron or the available again Jonjo Shelvey, back from a one-game ban, while Ryan Fraser remained in the starting line-up.
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Nor was there a place for Switzerland international Fabian Schar with Ciaran Clark preferred in the back five along with Emil Krafth.
Jones said before the game: "I'd like to see us being a little bit more sophisticated on the ball.
"We had a short period of putting the group and the team together last week, and it is not going to be easy against Chelsea – we know that.
"Without divulging every aspect of our game, that would be the first thing."
UNITED: Darlow, Manquillo, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie, Hayden, Longstaff, Saint-Maximin, Fraser, Wilson.
Subs: Dubravka, Schar, Joelinton, Shelvey, Lewis, Murphy, Almiron, Willock, Gayle.
