Newcastle United face arguably the toughest test of their current unbeaten run with Sunday's encounter at Chelsea. The Magpies are yet to suffer a league defeat in 2022, but are still considered the underdogs against Thomas Tuchel's side.
The Blues are dogged by issues off the field with sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich constantly evolving, but Tuchel's side have recorded comfortable victories in recent outings against Burnley and Norwich City. Howe was not in charge for the reverse fixture in October, where the visitors recorded a 3-0 win at St James' Park.
The Magpies undoubtedly represent a different proposition now, with the head coach settling on a winning formula which has earned hard-fought victories against Brighton and Southampton in their latest encounters. However, a run of three away matches in eight days will likely force Howe to rotate his starting eleven.
READ MORE: Bruno Guimaraes' 'brave' Newcastle decision pays off amid Martin Dubravka concern
Read how our writers think Newcastle should line up below and use the team selector to pick your best starting XI:
Lee Ryder
It’s getting harder to call as Newcastle’s unbeaten run continues. The big calls are in midfield but if fit Bruno stays in for me. It would be extremely harsh replacing either Shelvey or Willock if Joelinton was declared fit. But sticking with a winning line-up, despite the fixture congestion would my call for the first hour. With knocks and niggles though there could be one or two changes.
Dubravka; Krafth, Burn, Schar, Targett; Shelvey, Bruno, Willock; Fraser, Murphy; Wood
Ciaran Kelly
This is one of the harder line-ups to pick this season given the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of so many players after a huge physical effort at St Mary's. While Newcastle will be desperate to extend their unbeaten run, I would not take any undue risks with Joelinton, who is managing a groin issue, and instead ensure the Brazilian was fit to start against Everton next week.
I would stick with the 4-2-3-1 that worked well after Newcastle went behind at Southampton and freshen up the right-hand side with Javier Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin provided the Frenchman recovers from illness.
Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey; Fraser, Willock, Saint-Maximin; Wood
Chris Knight
Howe insists the clash at Stamford Bridge is not a 'free hit', but the latest victory over Southampton at the beginning of a testing away run has certainly eased the pressure. There is no way the head coach would choose to disrupt a settled starting eleven if it wasn't for a congested schedule, and I would only go for restoring Javier Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin to the side.
The double-pivot of Guimaraes and Shelvey provided a good structure in the face of mounting pressure against the Saints, and one I imagine will be replicated with Chelsea likely to dominate possession. Sean Longstaff could fill the number 10 position should Willock require a rest after another impressive shift.
Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Shelvey, Bruno; Fraser, Longstaff, ASM; Wood
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