Chelsea face Newcastle at Stamford Bridge later today. Here are five potential battles we think could be all-important.
Gary Cahill v Aleksandar Mitrovic
Kurt Zouma’s season-ending injury means Cahill is set to start a Premier League game for the first time since Boxing Day. The England vice-captain hasn’t been in the best of form and he comes up against Mitrovic, whose winner against West Brom last weekend was his second goal in five games.
Branislav Ivanovic v Andros Townsend
After his difficult time against Anthony Martial, Ivanovic is likely to face the slightly more predictable Townsend, who has started both of his Newcastle games on the left. The £12m man was part of the Tottenham team that beat Chelsea 5-3 last January but he played out on the right that day, causing Cesar Azpilicueta problems.
John Mikel Obi v Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey, also signed for £12m, has performed well in his three Newcastle appearances and many of the visitors’ attacks are likely to come from his long-range passes. Mikel, who may well keep his place ahead of Nemanja Matic even if Guus Hiddink abandons the two holding midfielders experiment, will be tasked with denying the former Swansea man space.
Cesc Fabregas v Cheick Tiote
Fabregas could be dropped deeper, alongside Mikel, but given Hiddink’s preference for using him closer to Diego Costa, and his assist for the equaliser against Manchester United, he may still be used in a more advanced role. Tiote returned to the Newcastle side against West Brom after a three-game absence and will aim to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm.
Willian v Rolando Aarons or Jack Colback
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is having to use a makeshift left-back at present, with Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara sidelined with injuries. Winger Aarons has been doing the job but Colback has returned from injury and could be used there as a more defensive option. Either way, they will have a lot of work to do against the irrepressible Willian.
This post was last modified on 15/02/2016