Newcastle United predicted starting XI vs Chelsea as big Anthony Gordon decision made

Anthony Gordon is pushing to start Newcastle United’s Premier League six-pointer against Chelsea on Sunday.

Newcastle and Chelsea sit fourth and fifth respectively in the Premier League table with only goals scored separating the two teams heading into the final three games.

Whoever takes three points at St James’ Park will take a massive step towards sealing Champions League qualification. And Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe is considering recalling Gordon to the starting XI.

The 24-year-old hasn’t started a game since being shown a red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 5. He served a three-match ban before missing an additional game through injury but has been unable to reclaim his starting spot due to the form of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy.

But after his positive cameo away to Brighton last Sunday, Howe has a big decision to make.

Howe admitted: “He's pushing. Just in terms of his general training performance, I think this is his best week physically. He had an issue, obviously, that he picked up with England and it's taken him a while to get back to full fitness because it was a nasty injury. But he's looked good.

“I thought he did well when he came on against Brighton. He adds a different dimension to our game. Directness in running. Very front-footed player. So let's wait and see.

“There’s an understanding from Anthony that he hasn’t been fully fit. We have had discussions and communications, which I try to do with all the players. But naturally, I know now, he feels good within his body and feels ready to start. That is the decision I have to make.

“I get the point about the team almost picking itself (in recent weeks), but it never felt that way, even though we were picking the same team for a run of games, there are always decisions to make, especially with the quality of the squad that we have.

“But ultimately you have to try and pick on what you see and the relationships in the team have been good, so you’ve got to be careful not to change something that doesn’t need changing.”