How Chelsea could line up against Newcastle United

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur when they return to Premier League action against Newcastle United this weekend.

The Blues welcome the Magpies and former manager Rafael Benitez to Stamford Bridge knowing that Arsenal may have drawn level on points with them in fourth place earlier in the day.

A showdown with the Gunners awaits in Chelsea's next match after this, so victory on Saturday would ensure that they go into that game with the advantage over their London rivals.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Maurizio Sarri could set his side out for the match.

Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (back), Marco van Ginkel (knee) Doubtful: Alvaro Morata (hamstring), Cesc Fabregas (calf)

Chelsea named almost a full-strength side against Spurs in midweek, but the likes of David Luiz, Mateo Kovacic and Pedro could come back into the lineup for this one.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has impressed in back-to-back cup starts amid intense speculation over his future, although the Bayern Munich target is yet to make a Premier League start this season and Sarri must decide whether or not to include the youngster for a third straight game.

The chances of him doing that will also be impacted by whether either Olivier Giroud or the doubtful Alvaro Morata are chosen to lead the line, although recently Sarri has favoured Eden Hazard in the false nine position.

Jorginho will continue his search for a first assist of the season alongside N'Golo Kante in midfield, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek sidelined and the Monaco-bound Cesc Fabregas doubtful due to a calf problem.