Predicted Chelsea lineup (4-3-3) to face Newcastle United, Rudiger and Ziyech start

Chelsea will be aiming to register a third straight Premier League win when they face Newcastle United on the road this afternoon.

The Blues can temporarily go top of the standings with a win, but their record at St James' Park has been poor with just one victory in the last seven attempts.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Lineup:

Edouard Mendy is regarded as the undisputed choice between the sticks and he has kept clean sheets in five of the previous six games across all competitions. He is expected to start in goal.

In the defence, Reece James and Ben Chilwell are likely to keep their places in the right and left-back positions respectively, but there should be a change at the heart of the backline.

Thiago Silva returned from international duty only on Thursday afternoon and he may be left out of the matchday squad. In his place, Antonio Rudiger could make his maiden league start of the season alongside Kurt Zouma.

In the centre of the park, N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount are guaranteed starters and Frank Lampard may go with Mateo Kovacic for the third midfield spot ahead of Jorginho and Kai Havertz.

Further forward, no changes are expected from the 4-1 win over Sheffield United earlier this month. Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech should slot into the left and right wing positions with Tammy Abraham starting upfront.

Predicted Chelsea lineup (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger, Ben Chilwell; Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount; Hakim Ziyech, Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner