With a week between the final game of the season and the FA Cup final, boss Antonio Conte is likely to keep his changes to a minimum and not risk resting his star men as Chelsea look to sneak into the final Champions League qualification place.
A win for the Blues against Newcastle on Sunday coupled with a Liverpool defeat at home to Brighton would see Conte’s side finish fourth by a point.
That’s likely to be reflected in the Italian’s team selection at St James’ Park, where a strong Blues line-up seems certain.
Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has recovered from a back injury and is likely to regain his place from Willy Caballero for Sunday.
Cesar Azpilicueta
It would be a huge surprise if Chelsea’s Mr Reliable does not start in both games.
Andreas Christensen
The big-game experience of the rejuvenated Gary Cahill may prove more appealing in the FA Cup final against Manchester United but the greater passing range and ability to read the game may see the talented Dane get the nod against the Magpies.
Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger looks more comfortable on the left than Cahill so Conte’s preference to try to regularly change one of the back three may well work in the big German’s favour on this occasion.
Victor Moses
Chelsea need to win to have any chance of pinching a top-four spot. Moses provides more attacking threat than Davide Zappacosta.
N’Golo Kante
Undroppable. The Frenchman will surely start both games.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
He has impressed in recent weeks in a slightly more advanced role but Bakayoko may start in a slightly deeper role this time to help accommodate a more pacey and attacking front three.
Marco Alonso
Alonso is fit and – crucially – fresh after his suspension so two games in a week will not be an issue for the Spaniard. There were fears he would burn himself out but the ban and Emerson’s arrival has eased his workload.
Willian
He has been frustrated in recent weeks but is been one of Chelsea’s best performers all season and should get the chance to prove it once again, with a more cautious line-up expected for Wembley.
Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s most creative player is also a talismanic figure and not starting him – even though Pedro is a more than decent option – would be a massive surprise and also suggest Conte has all but given up hope of a finishing above Liverpool.
Alvaro Morata
The Spaniard has struggled for form in the second half of the season but may well get the nod, with the in-form Olivier Giroud more likely to start for the big game at Wembley.