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Lloyd Kelly starts as Howe makes five changes – Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Chelsea

Newcastle United’s poor run of form continued on Sunday as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

Nicolas Jackson delivered an early breakthrough for the hosts but the Magpies soon restored parity, thanks to Alexander Isak’s tap-in. 

However, Newcastle ultimately had to return empty-handed from London following Cole Palmer’s brilliant goal from just inside the penalty area. 

Eddie Howe’s men are now facing the Blues again, but this time in the EFL Cup at St James’ Park. 

The English boss is expected to make five changes as the Magpies look to beat Chelsea in the cup game.   

Predicted Newcastle United XI 

Odysseas Vlachodimos started against Wimbledon in their previous Carabao Cup fixture. The 30-year-old is likely to replace Nick Pope in goal on Wednesday. 

In front of the Greece international, we are expecting just one change to the backline. Dan Burn struggled in defence last time, with the centre-back’s lack of power exposed at Stamford Bridge. 

And so Lloyd Kelly, who is currently earning £150,000-a-week at St James’ Park, is in line to partner Fabian Schar in central defence, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall playing on the flanks. 

In midfield, only Bruno Guimaraes is expected to keep his first-team berth. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton should drop to the bench to make space for Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock. 

Anthony Gordon is a doubt for the home fixture, with the 23-year-old missing Sunday’s game with a groin issue. 

Alexander Isak should lead their attack once again, while Jacob Murphy and Joelinton are likely to play on the wings. 

Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Chelsea: Vlachodimos; Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.

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