Paul Merson has urged Chelsea to stick with a front three of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling when they take on Newcastle.
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Chelsea travel to St. James’ Park on Saturday when the Premier League resumes after the international break.
Both sides are among the most exciting in the league and in desperate need of a result as they fight for a place in the top four.
Newcastle are seventh, six points off the Champions League spots as they deal with a massive injury crisis, while Chelsea are a further four points behind in 10th.
But the Blues do appear to have found their rhythm under Mauricio Pochettino, having lost just one of their last eight matches, most recently holding Manchester City to a draw and beating Tottenham 4-1.
Throughout this good run, the performances of their front three have been frequently praised, with Palmer, Jackson and Sterling registering 16 goals and six assists between them so far this season.
Merson has therefore urged Pochettino not to consider mixing things up this weekend, though he isn’t sure if they will be enough to beat the Magpies.
‘This is going to be another huge game. It’s one of those games where the result will be dictated by the availability of players,’ the Arsenal legend told Sportskeeda.
‘If Chelsea can get through the first 30 minutes without getting conceding a goal, this could be an extremely interesting encounter.
‘Chelsea are starting to adapt to Mauricio Pochettino’s style. They are able to give any side a run for their money at this point.
‘I think Chelsea have to stick with Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer in attack. Sterling and Palmer have been in great form and they will be key here once again.
‘Chelsea’s team, at the moment, is starting to pick itself and it’s a good thing. Earlier, we used to sit around wondering how they were going to line up. But that’s changed now.
‘Despite all that, Newcastle at home are always up for any challenge and I see this game ending in a draw. Predicted scoreline: Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea.’
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