Defending champions Chelsea host Newcastle United in Saturday’s first Premier League match and the lineups have been revealed for the tie at Stamford Bridge.
Today’s team: Courtois; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Alonso; Hazard, Morata. #CHENEW pic.twitter.com/u39Qj7GF8Y
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 2, 2017
The Blues have restored star winger Eden Hazard to the lineup while Victor Moses returns after a lengthy absence. David Luiz continues to be sidelined with Andreas Christensen starting in his stead.
Antonio Conte’s men, who are third in the league table, are trotting out in a 3-5-2 formation with Alvaro Morata leading the line along with Hazard.
TEAM NEWS: Here’s how Newcastle United will line up at @ChelseaFC in the @premierleague today (kick-off 12:30pm GMT). #NUFC pic.twitter.com/525SNTPB7z
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 2, 2017
The Magpies, who are winless in their last five games, are employing a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dwight Gayle starting at the apex.
Rafa Benitez, who won the UEFA Europa League with Chelsea, returns to Stamford Bridge in the opposition dugout but the odds are against him on his return to West London as the Blues have won four of their last five games.
Chelsea currently trail second-placed Manchester United by three points and hence, can go level with the Red Devils if they secure their 10th win of the season on Saturday. United play Arsenal in the last game of the day.
Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger, Moses, Kante, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard and Morata.
Newcastle United: Darlow, Manquillo, Clark (c), Lejeuene, Mbemba, Ritchie, Merino, Diame, Murphy, Perez and Gayle.
Match kicks off at 12.30 PM GMT/6 PM IST.