Newcastle v Chelsea: Mitrovic Returns

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

At St. James' Park

Aleksandar Mitrovic returns to the Newcastle United starting line-up for Saturday's Barclays Premier League home fixture against Chelsea (5.30pm kick-off).

The Serbian international striker has missed the Magpies' last three matches through suspension but is straight back into the team from the off, as the reigning champions visit St. James' Park.

Mitrovic's inclusion is one of five changes from United's disappointing midweek Capital One Cup defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday - the others see captain Fabricio Coloccini, midfielder Jack Colback and forward Ayoze Perez return, while 20-year-old Swiss full-back Kevin Mbabu makes his full debut.

Jamaal Lascelles, Mike Williamson, Siem de Jong, Gabriel Obertan and Florian Thauvin all drop down to the substitutes' bench.

Newcastle are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Tim Krul behind a back four of Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba, Coloccini and Mbabu, who will be deployed at left-back.

Vurnon Anita and Colback will anchor the hosts' midfield, with Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum taking up roles on either flanks.

And they will be tasked with supplying the ammunition for a front pairing of Perez and Mitrovic, who will be looking to open their accounts for the season.

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Kevin Mbabu; Moussa Sissoko, Vurnon Anita, Jack Colback, Georginio Wijnaldum; Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic

Substitutes: Rob Elliot, Jamaal Lascelles, Mike Williamson, Siem de Jong, Gabriel Obertan, Florian Thauvin, Ivan Toney

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Asmir Begovic; Branislav Ivanovic (c), Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta; Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas; Pedro, Oscar, Eden Hazard; Loic Remy

Substitutes: Jamal Blackman, John Terry, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Willian, Kenedy, Radamel Falcao

Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)