Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, and Graham Potter has several selection decisions to make.
Potter is aiming to extend his unbeaten start to ten games in all competitions this weekend, and if he is successful he will become the first English Chelsea manager to do so.
The 47-year-old also heads back to the south coast for the first time since leaving the Seagulls. Potter opted to make the switch to Stamford Bridge last month to succeed Thomas Tuchel.
Potter isn’t naive to think the reception won’t all be positive on Saturday, but is looking forward to going back to see familiar faces.
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“A place where I spent three happy years there. Looking forward to going back,” said Potter ahead of the game.
"The timing wasn't great for anybody, but sometimes that happens. Then it's a decision, and a decision to work here was too hard to turn down.
"Most I've spoken to from Brighton have been supportive and thankful but I'm not naive, I know it isn't universal.”
Now Potter needs to select his starting team for his return to the Amex as he will be wanting to get one over on his former side, as well as avoiding defeat to spare any blushes come Saturday evening and to leave with the three points.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion: Kepa, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Sterling, Mount, Broja, Pulisic
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Kepa is expected to keep his spot in goal and after being rested in midweek.
Thiago Silva had a nasty fall in midweek but is set to pair up with Trevoh Chalobah in defence once again with Kalidou Koulibaly still sidelined.
Potter confirmed: "Koulibaly, game comes too soon, outside chance for Wednesday but not for tomorrow (Saturday).”
Ben Chilwell started on the bench and will be hoping to earn a recall to the starting XI. Marc Cucurella will be keen to face his former side.
Mateo Kovacic suffered from fatigue in midweek and is available, but Potter could opt to use him from the bench and instead handing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jorginho starts in midfield, with Mason Mount returning after starting on the bench against RB Salzburg.
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"Mateo had a problem with his calf but it was just more fatigue," admitted Potter.
Christian Pulisic will be itching for another chance in the side and with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drawing another blank in midweek, Armando Broja will believe he deserves a chance to lead the line.
Raheem Sterling is also likely to start for the visitors as they target ten games in a row unbeaten under Potter.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Football, Graham Potter
