Graham Potter faces a tough task to win over Chelsea fans with the club in a state of internal turmoil on and off the pitch.
With results turning against the new manager and supporters struggling to keep up with a run of games like no other as well as the unrest caused by the sacking of Thomas Tuchel - one of the most popular Blues managers in recent memory - Potter needs to leave some positivity for the Stamford Bridge faithful over the World Cup break.
Having played seven of the first 13 matches away from home, including a run of five in six outside of SW6, Potter has been unable to truly get fans onside, especially as he has openly admitted that the rebuilding process is going to take longer than most are willing to wait.
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Impatience has been built into the club after 19 years of trophy laden glory under Roman Abramovich but the stark reality is that Chelsea haven't challenged for the league title in nearly six years, and that is a better barometer for success than cup competitions.
Now, with the Blues already 13 points off the pace and slipping down the table, Potter must not only stop the slide, but convince fans to stick by him. It doesn't get easier though as opponents Newcastle are going in the complete opposite direction.
The job that Eddie Howe has done in such a short space of time in the north east is the level of turnaround that Chelsea fans may have been expecting under Potter and if things turn sour at St. James' Park it won't be a merry Christmas period or happy World Cup camp either.
Speaking to BetFred TV about the issues facing the former Brighton manager, ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: "I think Graham Potter is under pressure. He’s yet to find a way of playing. He’s tried Raheem Sterling at wing-back and other ways of playing, but we’re in a results business and Chelsea are seventh at the moment and that’s not where they want to be."
Part of Potter's struggles has been finding a balance without Reece James available or a defensive minded midfielder. This has lead to some quirky formation ideas that have backfired and made fans doubt Potter's suitability for the role.
"They’re into the knockout rounds of the Champions League, but they’ve beaten a poor AC Milan side and have had a couple of good results against lesser sides in the league," Robinson added. Newcastle now remains Chelsea's biggest test until they face Manchester City in early January.
"It shows where Newcastle have come that we’re all looking at this game now with Newcastle being the favourites," Robinson explained. "That just shows the turnaround in Newcastle United. It also shows where Chelsea are, lacking in confidence and lacking in form. In all honesty, this is the last place that Graham Potter will want to go this weekend, because Newcastle are flying."
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