Graham Potter takes charge of Chelsea for the first time tonight as RB Salzburg head to Stamford Bridge for a Champions League tie.
After defeat last time out to Dinamo Zagreb, which spelled the end of Thomas Tuchel’s time in the Blues dugout, the game is a must-win for the new Chelsea boss. Potter faces a number of selection headaches before the match with Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante set to miss the game.
Here are three key issues Potter must contend with...
Does Aubameyang continue?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a rough debut in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb.
He had just one full training session and 59 minutes under former manager Thomas Tuchel after joining on deadline day. The 33-year-old has been reassured of his future after Tuchel’s sacking but being picked to lead the line would be a big vote of confidence.
The left-back battle
Marc Cucurella will be happy to have been reunited with his former Brighton manager, Graham Potter. His arrival, however, is a concern for fellow left-sided defender Ben Chilwell.
The England international had not been starting under Tuchel and now faces a renewed battle against Cucurella as he bids to earn his spot in Gareth Southgate’s team this summer.
Another chance for Kepa
Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga face a fight for the No1 shirt under Potter.
Mendy was Tuchel’s first choice but his performances have slipped amid contract negotiations. It leaves the door ajar for Kepa, who has another chance to impress tonight with Mendy out injured.
