Five changes as £117m trio drop out: Newcastle United predicted starting XI v Chelsea

Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI v Chelsea - including five changes.
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Newcastle United’s outstanding 2022-23 Premier League campaign comes to an end against Chelsea this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).

At the beginning of the season, very few people imagined Eddie Howe’s side would seal Champions League qualification, just 12 months after battling relegation, with one game to spare.

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Planning is already underway for next season, but Howe will be keen to see his side end on a high against a struggling Chelsea team.

The Magpies can still finish third in the table but for that to happen, they’ve got to beat Frank Lampard’s Blues and hope Manchester United fail to beat Fulham at Old Trafford.

With several players out injured, Howe will ring the changes to his starting XI. Here’s the line-up NewcastleWorld is tipping the 45-year-old to name.

GK: Martin Dubravka (in for Nick Pope)

Set for his first Premier League start in 12 months after Nick Pope underwent hand surgery earlier this week.

RB: Harrison Ashby (in for Kieran Trippier)

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With stand-in full-back Javier Manquillo out injured, January signing Ashby could make his Newcastle debut by deputising for Trippier at Stamford Bridge.

CB: Fabian Schar

The Switzerland international has carried several knocks this campaign but battled to play 35 out of 37 league games.

CB: Dan Burn

The Blyth-born defender has played most of the campaign at left-back, so a move back into central defence will be welcomed.

LB: Matt Targett (in for Sven Botman)

A chance to get Targett some minutes. Injury, illness and the form of Burn has restricted the former Aston Villa man to just five Premier League starts.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

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A final appearance of the season for the classy Brazilian before he gives his ankle some much-needed rest.

CM: Sean Longstaff

Returned to the starting XI against Leicester last time out and it was like he’d never been away. Brings a real balance to the midfield.

CM: Elliot Anderson

Without Joelinton and Joe Willock, Anderson is next in line for what would only be his third-ever Premier League start.

RW: Anthony Gordon (in for Miguel Almiron)

Gordon is still finding his feet on Tyneside following his £45m January move from Everton. A big pre-season coming up.

LW: Allan Saint-Maximin (in for Alexander Isak)

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It’s been a frustrating campaign for the Frenchman due to injury but he’ll hope to end it on a positive note at Stamford Bridge and silence his doubters.

ST: Callum Wilson

We’re guessing Wilson wants to start as he chases down 20 league goals this season. A brace in West London would do it.

SUBS: Loris Karius, Sven Botman, Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis, Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Lewis Miley.

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