Those alterations come in defence and midfield, with Antonio Rudiger, Malang Sarr, Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kante the returning quartet.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and forward players Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner remain unchanged, while Kante partners Jorginho in central midfield.

It is expected that the Blues will deploy a back four, with Andreas Christensen at right-back and Sarr on the left.

Newcastle also make four changes from their 2-1 win at Southampton on Thursday night, with January signings and goalscorers Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes keeping their places.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Mendy; Christensen, Chalobah, Rudiger, Sarr; Jorginho (c), Kante; Ziyech, Mount, Werner; Havertz

Subs Kepa, Alonso, Thiago Silva, Barkley, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Pulisic, Lukaku

Newcastle United Dubravka; Schar, Burn, Lascelles (c), Targett, Manquilo; S. Longstaff, Guimaraes; Murphy, Wood, Almiron

Subs Darlow, Gillespie, Dummett, Krafth, Fraser, De Bolle, Ritchie, Gayle Saint-Maximin

The referee is David Coote