3-4-2-1: Trio Ruled Out As Conte Makes 6 Changes | Expected Chelsea XI vs Newcastle

Chelsea will be looking to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they take on Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Here is the side we think Antonio Conte will pick for the game:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out once again after failing to recover from an ankle injury so Willy Caballero is expected to continue between the sticks.

Defence: Gary Cahill returned to the bench for the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal so the skipper could get a recall on Sunday afternoon.

Cesar Azpilicueta is due a rest so Antonio Rudiger could move across to the right side of the back three with David Luiz coming in to replace Andreas Christensen.

Midfield: Cesc Fabregas could return to the squad as he’ll face a late fitness test having missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit to start.

Danny Drinkwater could get a recall alongside N’Golo Kante with Tiemoue Bakayoko dropping out while Conte hinted at his press conference today that new signing Ross Barkley could make his full debut after coming off the bench in midweek.

Marcos Alonso is set to continue in the left wing-back role as Kenedy has completed his move to Newcastle and no replacement has been found but Davide Zappacosta could replace Victor Moses on the right if Conte wants to freshen things up.

Attack: Chelsea have been handed a blow as Alvaro Morata has been ruled out after failing to recover from a back injury that’s kept him out of the last three games.

Eden Hazard was deployed in a ‘false 9’ role against Arsenal but we could see Michy Batshuayi recalled up front with Hazard dropping back in to a more natural attacking role.

Willian has been ruled out after being forced off with a hamstring injury on Wednesday night but Pedro will offer an option from the bench.

Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up: