With a huge squad to work with, the Blues boss named a completely changed side for the Europa Conference League victory over Panathinaikos.
None of those who started against Liverpool last Sunday were included in the starting XI.
Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana were left out of Chelsea’s dedicated Conference League squad completely while Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James and Malo Gusto also all remained in west London.
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella were the only first-team regulars on midweek duty in Greece.
Romeo Lavia made his return from injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in Chelsea’s last Premier League match, as did James.
The Blues captain will be pushing for another start this afternoon after coming through that test at Anfield unscathed.
Fofana and Cucurella missed the Liverpool match via suspension but both men are able to feature against the Magpies at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Jadon Sancho has been the manager’s first choice option on the right of what has been a very settled attack so far this term. But the former Manchester United star was hooked at half-time against Liverpool.
With Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto all on the score sheet against Panathinaikos, Maresca could have a big call to make.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Newcastle
Sanchez, Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, James, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Where to watch Chelsea vs Newcastle? Kick-off time and TV channel
Chelsea vs Newcastle United kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, October 27.
