When Chelsea plays Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup round of 16 this evening, Enzo Maresca is anticipated to make numerous changes to his team.
Four days after the West Londoners defeated the Magpies at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, the Blues must overcome the difficult task of winning at St. James’ Park. However, this game is expected to be significantly different because both managers are expected to make changes to their teams.
In order to offer as many players as possible minutes in his sizable roster, Maresca has usually made numerous changes to the team sheet for the cup competitions this season. Will he follow suit this time, given that Newcastle presents a formidable obstacle for his ‘B team’?
Having saying that, Bobby Vincent makes every effort to forecast exactly what Maresca will do with Tyneside’s personnel.
Jorgensen has been Maresca’s preferred goalkeeper for cup tournaments thus far this season. It is an excellent opportunity for Jorgensen to put some pressure on Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper following Robert Sanchez’s lackluster performance over the weekend.
In last week’s Conference League victory over Panathinaikos, Disasi played at right-back. In order to make room for Disasi, Reece James is expected to take a break, while Reece James might also be benched.
Perhaps because of his role in the Liverpool game a few days prior, Tosin was not played against Panathinaikos last week. At St. James’ Park, the 26-year-old defender might return to the right side of the center-back duo.
Despite playing in Greece the previous week, Badiashile was benched for Sunday’s victory over Newcastle. In order to keep the Magpies out this evening, the Frenchman might partner with Tosin at St. James’, where he will need to perform at the highest level possible.
Despite being benched for Sunday’s match, Cucurella might make a comeback to the starting lineup on Tyneside. In a match like this, the Spaniard’s experience can be very important.
