Graham Potter’s first game in the dugout at Stamford Bridge will mark the beginning of a new era for CHELSEA....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Potter, 47, was named the next Blues manager on Thursday, only hours after Thomas Tuchel was dismissed.
It was scheduled for him to take on Marco Silva’s Fulham on Sunday, which would have been his debut game in command of the club; however, all Premier League matches were postponed as a token of respect after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He was supposed to take on Fulham.
Now, though, he faces what is perhaps an even greater challenge in the shape of an important matchup in the Champions League against RB Salzburg.
Last week, Chelsea started their season off with a jolting loss of 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb. As a direct consequence of this result, the team is now in LAST PLACE in Group E.
As a result, the new manager, Potter, will not settle for anything less than three points tonight evening, and given how much is on the line, it is probable that he will play his best squad possible.
Kepa is expected to keep his place in the team despite the fact that Edouard Mendy will be out with an injury.
A week ago, while Mendy was still recovering from an injury to his patella tendon, he was listed among the substitutes.
Because the goalie did not participate in the first team’s training session at Cobham yesterday, it is quite probable that he will not be included in the squad at all.
Thiago Silva is likely to make his way back into the team after getting some time off during the trip to Croatia last week.
The Brazil international may be part of a back three that also includes newcomers Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Because of N’Golo Kante’s hamstring injury, it is probable that Matteo Kovacic and Mason Mount will continue to start in the central midfield position. Kante will not be able to participate in any games because of his ailment.
Marc Cucurella, who was reunited with his former Brighton manager Graham Potter last week, is anticipated to begin the match on the left flank.
