Chelsea predicted XI vs. Newcastle United: one major change amid £52m summer signing update

Chelsea will face a considerable test of their progress under Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday afternoon, with the Blues set to travel to Tyneside for a clash with Newcastle United. The Blues headed into the international break on a relative high, having taken four points from two tricky matches against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Pochettino's men now lie 10th in the Premier League table, but could move to within touching distance of their hosts this weekend if they can pick up all three points at St. James' Park. Recent history will not be on their side, however, with the Blues' having failed to beat the Magpies since March of last year.

For their part, Newcastle suffered an uncharacteristic defeat to Bournemouth in their last outing, losing 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium. Prior to that upset, Eddie Howe's side had gone seven Premier League matches unbeaten, and will be hoping to return to form in front of their home fans on Saturday afternoon.

But how will both sides line up for the clash? We've taken a closer look at their respective team news below...

Chelsea Team News

There could be good news for Chelsea on the injury front this weekend, with as many as four players potentially returning to action after recent absences. Romeo Lavia, yet to play for his new club, is understood to be in contention to feature having participated in full training this week. Speaking about the latter earlier this month, Pochettino said: "Romeo Lavia is also close. They trained today on the pitch. Hope that next week will be involved with the team and see after. Day by day see when it is possible to play with the team."

Elsewhere, Levi Colwill was forced to withdraw from England duty over the international break due to a shoulder injury, but has since returned to training, and should be available this weekend. Likewise, Conor Gallagher was carrying a slight knock but played 45 minutes in the Three Lions' 2-0 win over Malta, and appears to have allayed any fears over his fitness. Malo Gusto is also back in training after sustaining minor knee ligament damage.

In less positive news, however, Pochettino confirmed on Friday that summer signing Christopher Nkunku will not be involved, despite training in recent days. Ben Chilwell is not expected to be available for selection until at least mid-December, while Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah face indefinite periods on the sidelines as a consequence of knee and thigh problems respectively. Wesley Fofana continues to recover from a long-term knee injury, and last week posted an image to social media of himself wearing football boots with the caption: 'After [a] long time.' The French defender is still facing a lengthy period in the treatment room, however.

Chelsea Predicted XI

Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher; Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling.

Newcastle United Team News

Newcastle continued to be plagued by an injury crisis, with as many 13 players potentially ruled out of their clash against Chelsea. Jacob Murphy and Dan Burn are not expected back in action before the new year, while Callum Wilson, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo, and Sven Botman are all set to miss out this weekend too.

The likes of Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar, and Alexander Isak are all in contention to return, but final assessments are likely to be made on the trio before Saturday. Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall will not be eligible to face his parent club, while Sandro Tonali is serving a 10-month ban for alleged breaches of betting regulations.

Newcastle United Predicted XI

Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Jamal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock; Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Joelinton.