Mauricio Pochettino could give Christopher Nkunku a debut against Newcastle(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Newcastle as Pochettino deliberates Christopher Nkunku debut

Chelsea take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening in a game where Christopher Nkunku could make his debut

by · football.london

Mauricio Pochettino will arrive at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening hoping to lead Chelsea to their first semi-final under his coaching. The Blues welcome Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and will know there is an opportunity to fight for a trophy in the early stages of 2024.

The Blues boss has not rotated too much in domestic cup outings so far this season, and will be unlikely to do so again with plenty on the line. However, having opted not to utilise Christopher Nkunku against Sheffield United, there is a possibility his debut comes against the Magpies. Although, it will not come from the start.

Pochettino explained in his press conference on Friday: "The reality was, he wasn't a player to be involved after 2-0. I didn't want to take a risk with him. How I see today? I tell you maybe he can play 20 minutes.

"Before Sheffield United in my mind, I was 1% or 2% of doubt, that is why I did not want to take a risk. That is how I explained it to him. I need to be 100%. If I have 1% doubt... It was good for him to feel the warm up and be with the team. That was amazing. Why take a risk when it was 2-0 when I was thinking I don't know if it was the right moment?"

football.london looks at the team that could be selected below.

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Djordje Petrovic

The Serbian goalkeeper enjoyed a pretty untroubled full debut against Sheffield United and will no doubt be busier at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Malo Gusto

Should he be fit enough, the young Frenchman is an easy pick to come in so that Chelsea can play with a full back on the right flank.(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Axel Disasi

Thiago Silva has not been called upon in the Carabao Cup thus far and ahead of a busy period could miss out again with Disasi moving inside.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Benoit Badiashile

The former Monaco defender put in a decent display against Sheffield United but is likely to face a more difficult talk against Newcastle United(Image: Richard Callis/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Levi Colwill

There will be calls to utilise Ian Maatsen, but with difficult competition and a place in the semi-final on the line it would be no surprise to see LevI Colwill continue(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Moises Caicedo

The midfielder will hope to build upon one of his more promising performances of the season.(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Conor Gallagher

Likely to be Chelsea's captain on the night, the Blues do not look the same without the former Crystal Palace loanee.(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Enzo Fernandez

The World Cup winner should return to the starting lineup with Chelsea perhaps wanting to shore up their midfield after a more attacking lineup at the weekend.(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
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Cole Palmer

After a spectacular second half performance, the former Man City ace seems set to take a role on the right once again along with the pressure of Chelsea's creativity.(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Raheem Sterling

The winger will look to return to the scoresheet against Newcastle United after an impressive free kick against the Magpies last month.(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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Nicolas Jackson

Disappoint some surprising misses, Nicolas Jackson continues to keep his goal tally ticking upwards and will hope to find another at Stamford Bridge.(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
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