Chelsea take on Tottenham this weekend in search of claiming three points for the first time since beating Crystal Palace in January. There is no shortage of external pressure falling at the feet of Graham Potter with the Blues 11 points behind the Lilywhites and the club sitting in 10th position in the Premier League.
With no consistent upturn in form since the club's defeat to Brighton in October, there's been a familiar feeling around Chelsea results even with a new crop of stars having arrived in January. There has been an impressive defensive record to hold onto, only Manchester City and Newcastle United have conceded fewer goals in the league, but while new stars have brought some spark they have not turned around the club's fortunes at the opposite end of the pitch.
Supporters made their feelings clear after defeat against Southampton, and their boos will ensure that Potter is under scrutiny moving forwards. Ultimately performances on the pitch will dictate whether the Chelsea boss can be a success but there will be no shortage of questions awaiting the 47-year-old in his press conference on Friday afternoon.
READ NEXT: Spurs test begins defining Potter period at Chelsea before Liverpool and Arsenal nightmare run
football.london takes a look at just what some of them may be.
Injury news?
While it's often difficult to glean who has missed out on a Chelsea squad via injury through form versus who there was simply not room for - top of the agenda will be ensuring that Reece James and Thiago Silva are back in condition to start the game against Spurs. The duo have proved themselves invaluable to Chelsea with the former's fitness becoming more important with Cesar Azpilicueta's absence, while the Brazilian has played more minutes than any other Chelsea player this term.
Potter will likely have an update from Azpilicueta who was released from hospital earlier in the week, while both Christian Pulisic and N'Golo Kante have appeared to make good progress in their rehabilitation of late. However, Edouard Mendy's progress remains a mystery after he underwent surgery earlier in the year.
Potter gave little away last week, so expect more detail to be asked on this occasion.
Where are Chelsea's goals coming from and what does Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang need to do?
It's the big question for Chelsea at the moment and one that needs a quick answer. The Blues have managed just one goal in their previous five games and just 23 in their 23 matches in the Premier League this term.
Potter acknowledged his side took a step back in the quest to work through their issues against the Saints, though the Blues have seen an improvement in the expected goals they are producing over 90 minutes. Though it means little if they cannot convert those chances.
Raheem Sterling made a big difference to Chelsea's attacking efforts against the Saints being cruelly denied twice, and Potter will need to decide which components of his attack are key to getting over the hump. Kai Havertz would seem likely to return to the starting XI, while Joao Felix has helped spark some creativity. With the size of the Spurs game and the pressure to claim a win, Potter could offer an inkling to his preferred attacking lineup.
The question Potter has been unable to truly avoid is that of 'What does Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang need to do?'. The former Arsenal star has not made a Chelsea squad since the closing of the transfer window and Potter has simply suggested that his charge must continue what he is doing. That has not prevented the question cropping up time and again and it could make another appearance.
Who will play at left back?
Ben Chilwell has made a solid return from injury and offered something that Marc Cucurella has not. However, if the way James' return to wingback has been managed is anything to go by, Chilwell may be due a rest. Cucurella was absent from the squad against Southampton and welcomed his third child earlier this week, so it remains to be seen if he quickly comes back into Potter's plans for the starting XI.
Spurs will present a big challenge with a forward group that includes Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, and Potter may also have a preference with how his team sets up to battle that. Cucurella offers something different and Potter's selection could indicate the Blues' plans for the afternoon.
What is happening with Andrey Santos?
The Brazilian youngster joined the Blues in January but has been unable to feature having struggled in a bid to qualify for a work permit. Having starred in the under-20 South American Championship, Santos made his way to Cobham and has observed a number of games from the stands but he seems set to head on loan.
One week ago Potter noted: "Santos is still in the same place. We’re looking at what the options are for him." Friday could offer more clarity.
READ MORE:
Chelsea and N'Golo Kante now at critical stage of contract talks amid free transfer possibility
Enzo Fernandez makes Lionel Messi Chelsea comparison and opens up on Premier League pressure
Chelsea already have dream Enzo Fernandez partner as Graham Potter faces £30m challenge
Graham Potter must take advantage of £50m Thomas Tuchel decision to turn around Chelsea form
Rio Ferdinand explains Graham Potter sacking decision as Chelsea linked with manager replacements
