It has not been smooth sailing for Chelsea in 2023, and to come away with a victory against Leeds United, Graham Potter will have to fight the tide of momentum. The Blues' faltering form has been well documented, with only one win recorded since the turn of the year and one goal in the last six games.
If Potter was hoping for any kind of fluency heading into the Premier League, in preparation for a pivotal Champions League last-16 clash against Borussia Dortmund, he would be mistaken. The week started with confirmation that Thiago Silva had suffered knee ligament damage before Friday saw Potter reveal that Mason Mount would miss the clash against Leeds with an abdomen issue, and that Reece James was a doubt due to a tight hamstring.
The Chelsea head coach has been firm in his belief that training has been going well for the Blues, but is realistic enough to acknowledge it is difficult to draw any positives at the moment.
READ MORE : Why Chelsea can score against Leeds but Graham Potter must be wary of Southampton repeat
He said in his press conference: "That's the frustrating bit for us because we're seeing a lot of positives day to day, but they haven't been transferred onto the pitch in terms of results. Performances haven't been as bad as our results I would say, but we know the business we're in and the results we haven't liked.
"In terms of daily training, how the group is coming together, how players are getting stronger, that is all positive. But it's hard to talk positively because we're in a moment where results aren't good."
With that said, football.london's Chelsea reporters name the sides they would choose to face Leeds.
Adam Newson
Given the number of injuries Chelsea once again must deal with, I would use the game against Leeds to freshen things up and try to restore a little confidence ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Kepa is the obvious man to start in goal - Edouard Mendy remains sidelined - and I would go with a back three ahead of the Spaniard. I would give Trevoh Chalobah an outing on the right, Wesley Fofana in the middle in the absence of Thiago Silva, and Benoit Badiashile on the left. I would save Kalidou Koulibaly’s legs for Dortmund.
With Cesar Azpilicueta out and Reece James a doubt - and someone who shouldn’t be risked - I would take the chance to hand Dion Rankine his debut at right wing-back. It is an idea unlikely to be tried, however.
On the left, I would start Marc Cucurella over Ben Chilwell, who shouldn’t be overloaded ahead of Tuesday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
Denis Zakaria is back from an injury lay-off of his own and I would start him in a midfield two alongside Enzo Fernandez, who had played every minute possible following his January switch from Benfica.
Raheem Sterling has looked sharp in the last couple of games so I would start him in a front three alongside Joao Felix and Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, who would be tasked with scoring a rare home goal for Chelsea. Their last came all the way back on January 15.
Adam’s XI : Kepa; Chalobah, Fofana, Badiashile; Rankine, Enzo, Zakaria, Cucurella; Sterling, Aubameyang, Felix.
Scott Trotter
Given the news over Reece James, Graham Potter should not risk his fitness ahead of the game against Borussia Dortmund, which in many ways the club's season relies upon. However, it leaves a difficult decision.
In James' previous absence the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Raheem Sterling, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all played on the right flank whether it be as a wingback or part of a back four.
To accomdate James' absence, moving to a back three may prove wise, with Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile being flanked by Loftus-Cheek and Marc Cucurella - Ben Chilwell is due a rest ahead of the European midweek.
Enzo Fernandez has not been off the pitch since his arrival and will likely continue but Potter could offer Denis Zakaria 60 minutes to take note of a new dynamic, or perhaps Conor Gallagher could start if Loftus-Cheek is able to provide support from wingback.
Chelsea need some goalscoring confidence in their frontline and Potter clearly feels Kai Havertz provides the most likely option. Raheem Sterling has been a rare highlight in moments of recent defeats, while Mykahilo Mudryk and Joao Felix could both be options to give Leeds' defence pause for thought.
Scott's XI: Kepa; Fofana, Chalobah, Badiashile; Loftus-Cheek, Enzo, Zakaria, Cucurella; Sterling, Havertz, Felix.
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