Chelsea and Newcastle United renew their rivalry in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, just days after their recent Premier League encounter. This time, the match takes place at St. James’ Park, where the Magpies will be hoping to avenge their 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams are sure to be looking for a win.

Chelsea have been in good form recently, winning five of their last nine Premier League matches and sitting in fifth place. They are also coming off a convincing 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League. Newcastle, on the other hand, have been more inconsistent, with three wins, three draws, and three defeats in their opening nine league matches, leaving them 12th in the table.

Despite their recent inconsistency, Newcastle will be a tough opponent. Eddie Howe has built a strong team, and they will be eager to make amends for their recent defeat to Chelsea.

Starting Lineups

Both managers are likely to make changes to their starting lineups from the Premier League match. Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, has a deep squad, and he will be keen to give some of his fringe players an opportunity to impress. Eddie Howe, meanwhile, will be looking to rest some of his key players ahead of a busy schedule.

Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:

Newcastle

Nick Pope Fabian Schär Joelinton Sandro Tonali Anthony Gordon Alexander Isak Kieran Trippier Lewis Hall Matt Ritchie Elliot Anderson Sean Longstaff

Chelsea

Filip Jörgensen Axel Disasi Wesley Fofana Benoît Badiashile Marc Cucurella Enzo Fernández Renato Veiga João Félix Kieran Dewsbury-Hall Mykhailo Mudryk Christopher Nkunku

Key Players to Watch

There are several key players to watch in this match. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer will be looking to continue his excellent form. He scored the winning goal against Newcastle on Sunday and has been one of the Blues’ most impressive players this season.

For Newcastle, Alexander Isak will be a key threat. The striker has scored three goals in his last four games and is a real danger to any defense.

What To Expect

This match is likely to be a tight and tense affair. Both teams are capable of scoring goals, and it could come down to a moment of individual brilliance or a defensive lapse. Chelsea will be looking to build on their recent good form and secure a place in the quarter-finals, while Newcastle will be determined to pull off an upset.

Prediction

It is difficult to predict the outcome of this match. However, Chelsea’s recent form and superior squad depth give them the edge. I predict a 2-1 win for the Blues.

Carabao Cup: A Chance for Redemption?

This match is a chance for Newcastle to get one over Chelsea and to prove that they are a genuine force in English football. It is also a chance for Chelsea to build momentum and to show that they are a serious contender for silverware this season.

The Carabao Cup is often a competition where teams are given a chance to rotate their squads and give opportunities to players who might not normally get a chance to play. This match could be a chance for some players to make a statement and to stake their claim for a place in the starting lineup. No matter who wins, this match is sure to be a thrilling encounter.