Huge Joe Willock decision made - Our predicted starting XI for Newcastle United to take on Chelsea

Chelsea come to St James' Park for a massive Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday. Kick-off is at 12pm live on TNT Sports.

Both sides will be desperate for a win to gain the upper hand in the race for Champions League qualification as they head into the fixture completely tied.

We don't expect any surprises from Eddie Howe in terms of the lineup, although we are still hoping that Joelinton is going to return to action.

As much as we back the calls for Joe Willock to make way for Lewis Miley, we just don't see Eddie Howe caving on that front. He's notoriously stubborn when he gets a plan in his mind.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - It could be a busy day for the Newcastle 'keeper, let's hope he's wide awake.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier - Tripps has been solid lately and will need to be on top of his game on Sunday.

Fabian Schar - Sven Botman is edging closer to a return to the starting lineup, but who would have to make way? Surely not Schar.

Dan Burn - But what fool would drop Big Dan Burn this season? Poor Sven Botman's done himself out of a job.

Tino Livramento - Coming up against his old club, Tino should be nicely fired up for this one.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes (c) - The pressure seems to be getting to Bruno lately. He's lashing out when things aren't going Newcastle's way. He needs to do some breathing exercises.

Sandro Tonali - Nothing needs to be said. If he's fit, he starts. Simply magnificent.

Joe Willock - He wouldn't be our choice to start, but we think he will be Eddie Howe's and that's what this is.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - Needs a good game this week as he didn't have his best against Brighton.

Alexander Isak - Also needs to up his game. Scoring penalties is all well and good, but we could do with him being in the game more in open play, please.

Harvey Barnes - It sounds as though Anthony Gordon is fully fit, but Barnes is keeping him out of the side on merit, so we think Howe will stick by his guns.

Lewis Miley (or fuel-injected Joelinton) replacing Willock would be our ideal call, and we still think Barnes/Gordon is a coin flip.

However, that's what the bench is for. If it's not working, Howe can change it up so it's all good.