Willock out, Miley in - Newcastle United lineup to face Chelsea

Eddie Howe has named his lineup as Newcastle United take on Chelsea at 3pm at St James' Park.

Joe Willock is nowhere to be seen as Lewis Miley comes in in his place. Also, Sean Longstaff doesn't make the squad due to his ankle injury he picked up against Bournemouth.

Tino Livramento comes in for Lewis Hall which suggests that Kieran Trippier will indeed start at left-back.

Newcastle's bench is a horror show

One sure sign of just how deep in the mire we are right now, our bench consists of three goalkeepers and four under 21s.

Once again we are relying on the starting XI to get the job done as Eddie Howe really has no great options on the bench.

The starting lineup is strong enough to deal with Chelsea, but if things aren't going our way we could be in trouble.

It's going to be a tough 90 minutes

It's a huge reminder of just how much we need to do some good business in January without panic buying.

The big positive is that Alexander Isask returns to the starting lineup so we are going in with a recognised striker today, although we are just hoping he's not being rushed back and is fit enough to last 90 minutes.

If Newcastle pick up any more injuries today you'll hear my screams of anguish all around the North East. Howay the lads!