How Chelsea could line up against Crystal Palace with Graham Potter set to ruffle feathers with first Premier League XI
GRAHAM POTTER gets set for his first Premier League match in charge at Chelsea with key decisions to make.
The former Brighton boss, who replaced Thomas Tuchel in September, faced RB Salzburg in his first Blues game.
And he raised eyebrows by playing Raheem Sterling at left wing-back in the 4-3-2-1 formation.
Sterling scored but Chelsea drew and then faced a postponed Liverpool match as well as an international break.
It would have given Potter time to think about his next line up, having also hosted a secret friendly with old side Brighton.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will keep his place in goal with Edouard Mendy joining N’Golo Kante on the injury list.
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If Potter is to keep a back three, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are likely to find themselves in the starting line up.
That would leave summer signings Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana – both benched against Salzburg – fighting for a place.
But alternatively, they would be favoured to start if Potter selects a back four, with Silva and Azpilicueta not suited to a central pairing.
Reece James has had a star role in Chelsea’s start to the season and will be expected to return at right wing-back.
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Marc Cucurella is suffering from illness, meaning Ben Chilwell is likely to play on the left.
Jorginho is favoured to partner Mateo Kovacic in midfield, as Kante continues to fight for fitness.
But Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher and even Trevoh Chalobah – who played in midfield against Brighton – are also contenders to start.
Going forward, Sterling is set to go into the attacking three opposed to wing-back.
And Mason Mount or Kai Havertz, both on target in England’s friendly with Germany, will compete to start on the opposite wing.
That is if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang keeps his place up front, despite his slow start since arriving from Barcelona.
But if the ex-Arsenal captain is dropped, Havertz or Armando Broja would be expected to replace Aubameyang.