## Sanchez Dropped, Cucurella Benched, Jackson Decision - Chelsea Team Maresca Must Pick vs. Newcastle Chelsea will have to make some tough decisions about their team selection for the upcoming match against Newcastle. Manager Maresca will have to decide whether or not to drop Kepa in favor of Mendy, and whether or not to bench Cucurella in favor of Chilwell. Thiago Silva is expected to miss the match, and Cucurella may be asked to play out of position in central defense. Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah are the other options at center back. Chelsea's midfield could also be in for a shake-up, with Jorginho and Kovacic both in contention to start. Conor Gallagher could also be given a chance to impress after his impressive performance against Manchester United. Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could get his second start for the Blues, with Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as supporting options. Kai Havertz is another option, but he has been struggling for form recently. **To sum it up:** * Silva (CB), Kepa (GK), and Cucurella (LB) are all doubts for Chelsea. * Thiago Silva is expected to miss at least 2 weeks with a hamstring injury. * Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to play before Silva returns to full fitness, with Wesley Fofana's return date still unknown. * Chilwell could make his first start at left-back for Chelsea vs Newcastle. * Mendy could make his PL debut for Chelsea against Newcastle. * Marc Cucurella or Trevoh Chalobah are options to start next to Koulibaly. * Jorginho or Kovacic are expected to partner Mateo Kovacic in midfield. * Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz, and Aubameyang are competing for a spot to play up top.
