Newcastle fans are split on Eddie Howe's decision to make four changes from the side that won 2-1 at Southampton.
Recalls for Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Javier Manquillo and skipper Jamaal Lascelles means the Magpies will field a five-man defence at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock miss out due to illness, with Emil Krafth and Ryan Fraser also dropping to the bench.
A busy fixture schedule sees Newcastle travel to Everton in midweek and Howe has taken the opportunity to freshen up his side against the Champions League winners. The Magpies named the same team for three games in a row before Thursday's victory but introduced £40million signing Bruno Guimaraes due to Joelinton's absence.
Howe's decision to overhaul the side has provoked a mixed reaction with fans on social media...
@jacknufc_69: i cant tell if he wants a good or bad side out, it’s so mixed
@Magpie24_7: I do question the formation. But in the past when I've done that the manager has been pretty useless. I have full faith Eddie has a plan here away to Chelsea so let's go full confidence HWTL!
@WashingToonFC: Rotating and resting for Everton, smart as a win against them is vital. We have more chance of 3pts against them than we do today.
@kev__1986: Happy with that, play stronger team against Everton.
@kempza1k: Eddie are you okay lad?
@KurdishGeordie: Strange Line Up. But it makes sense when you play against a team like Chelsea. And plus i guess Howe doesn't want to risk the likes of ASM, Fraser & etc sine he knows that it is crucial for them to be fit against Everton. Nevertheless in Howe we trust
@Bigfrankchippa: You sure that’s the right team ?
@Liam_nufc03: Why are people complaining about the team when most of our players are probably wrecked from Thursday
@jmcgurk20: People moaning on, just relax and trust the gaffer. Had a game Thursday and another one next Thursday, Howay the lads
@SellersTony: Very tough game but its a free hit, lets see what we can do. Lets try and give them a game. They will have a lot of the ball, Burn and Targett etc will have to be at their best.
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