Mourinho Makes Two Changes: Predicted Chelsea Starting XI To Face Newcastle

Chelsea will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon. Here is the side I think Jose Mourinho will select:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois is now Chelsea’s established No.1 so there’s no reason to think he wont continue in goal this weekend.

Defence: Gary Cahill was forced off at half-time during Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Tottenham after clashing heads with Jan Vertonghen. However, Mourinho insists the 28-year-old didn’t suffer concussion and his withdrawal was just precautionary, so he should be fine to start on Saturday alongside John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta at the back.

Midfield: Nemanja Matic misses the trip to St James’ Park after collecting his fifth booking of the season last night so Mourinho is going to have to break-up the Serbs blossoming partnership alongside Cesc Fabregas with John Obi Mikel the favourite to come in to the midfield.

Attack: Diego Costa served his one-match ban against Spurs so should return to the starting eleven with Didier Drogba dropping out despite getting on the score-sheet last time out. Otherwise, Mourinho should stick with his favoured attacking trio of Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard.

Here is how I think Chelsea will line-up this weekend:

What do you think of the team and what eleven would you select for the game?