Chelsea will look to make it five Premier League wins in a row when they host an in-form Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon @2Pm GMT at Stamford Bridge
The Blues are coming off a 3-1 win over Norwich City on Thursday, while Newcastle maintained their excellent form with a 2-1 win over Southampton on the same night.
Chelsea will undoubtedly be without Ben Chilwell and Reece James, while Christian Pulisic, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Marcos Alonso are all doubtful due to illness.
Azpilicueta was substituted at half-time against Norwich and will not be risked unless he is fully fit, so Andreas Christensen could start at right-back here.
Malang Sarr could replace Alonso at left-back if he does not recover in time, and N'Golo Kante, Antonio Rudiger, and Hakim Ziyech should all return to the starting lineup.
However, Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to make the starting lineup, with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount both expected to start after scoring against Norwich last time out.
Newcastle will be without Jamal Lewis, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, and Isaac Hayden, but Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Joelinton should be fit.
Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth are also vying for a spot, while Fabian Schar should play despite a groin injury.
Howe may decide not to start Guimaraes, with Joelinton expected to return to midfield and Saint-Maximin expected to play on the right side of the attack if he recovers from illness.
Javi Manquillo is also in line to start at right-back if Krath fails a late fitness test, as the latter was forced off in the closing stages of the match against Southampton.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Christensen, T Silva, Rudiger, Sarr; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount
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