Eddie Howe axes Anthony Elanga in five changes – Newcastle predicted XI vs Chelsea
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(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media) Thu 12 March 2026 19:00, UK Anthony Elanga looks set to drop to the bench alongside four of his Newcastle United teammates as they travel to face Chelsea in Premier League action this weekend.Eddie Howe’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Barcelona in midweek after Lamine Yamal’s late penalty broke Newcastle hearts on Tyneside.Harvey Barnes had poked them into the lead in the 86th minute before that hammer blow, and they now face an uphill battle to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals next week.Before they travel to Barcelona, the Magpies must first face off against Chelsea in Premier League action at Stamford Bridge this weekend.Newcastle’s upcoming match against the Blues is set to be a tough battle in the fight for European qualification, and Football Insider have predicted the starting eleven that Howe could name for the clash.Credit: Imago ⚽ Newcastle Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Newcastle United fixture. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Newcastle’s predicted XI vs ChelseaAaron Ramsdale has started each of Newcastle’s last three games across all competitions ahead of Nick Pope, and looks set to keep his place in between the sticks from now on.Kieran Trippier has been run into the ground over recent weeks due to Tino Livramento’s injury woes, but the 23-year-old is now fit again and should start against his former club at right-back.Lewis Hall and Dan Burn should keep their places in the backline, while Sven Botman may well replace Malick Thiaw in the eleven after his late mistake gave Barca the chance to equalise in midweek.In terms of Howe’s midfield, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are surely nailed on to start, but Joe Willock could come in for Jacob Ramsey for rotation purposes with the second leg against Barca in mind.Jacob Murphy came on and delivered a fine assist for Barnes to score against the Catalan giants, so may start on the opposite flank to the 28-year-old ahead of the out-of-form Elanga.Sources have told Football Insider that Howe is unhappy with Yoane Wissa’s impact since he returned to full fitness, but he could be handed the opportunity to prove himself and lead the line against Chelsea ahead of both Will Osula and Nick Woltemade.How to watch Chelsea vs Newcastle this weekendNewcastle travel to the capital to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 14 March, with the game set to kick-off at 5:30pm.Those watching on from home will be able to catch the action on the Sky Sports Premier League channel, as well as Sky Sports UHD, Sky Sports + and NOW TV, with coverage set to begin at 5pm.Highlights of the clash will be available to watch on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel, while Match Of The Day starts at 10:20pm on BBC One.Exclusive offer: For a limited time, try Proton VPN Plus for a month for only £1.00.
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