The FA Cup third round has often provided Chelsea head coaches with an opportunity to heavily rotate the starting XI. Graham Potter has no such luxury. It's Manchester City away on Sunday afternoon and an injury-impacted squad from which to select his side.
Potter knows the harsh reality of coaching Chelsea: every competition is one the club is expected to win. Excuses – or even well-reasoned arguments – largely fall on deaf ears. So there will be pressure on the Blues to come away from the Etihad Stadium with a result.
Changes will be necessary, however. Both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic limped out of Thursday's Premier League clash against Pep Guardiola's side with hamstring and knee injuries respectively. Mason Mount also faces a race against time to be fit having picked up a knock in training.
