Graham Potter has thrown a big curve ball with his team to face Wolves.
The new manager, in charge of his first home game, chose to make seven changes to the team that dominated AC Milan in a 3-0 Champions League victory in midweek. It comes amid a period of 13 games from the start of October until November 12, when the league breaks up for the winter World Cup.
Potter also has to think about a potentially decisive European match at San Siro on Tuesday as Chelsea look to build on their promising start under the former Brighton boss.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Fofana, Kante, Cucurella, Chalobah, Costa and Chelsea vs Wolves
Nevertheless, Potter's choice to leave out Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the starting lineup, along with Thiago Silva not being involved in the team at all, still surprised many.
The Blues XI is: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic
With Potter's famed flexibility it is most likely to be a 4-2-2-2 of some variation, though 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-2 are also possible.
Whilst explaining his decision to make such big changes, Potter said: “A bit of the schedule, individuals carrying certain things, recovery times and lots of other factors. But most importantly, we have tried to select a team that can win the match.”
Although Chelsea face a team in the bottom three, with a host of injuries and without a full-time manager, Chelsea fans were still shocked at the team picked by Potter. Here's how Twitter reacted:
@FelixJohnston_: Azpilicueta right back? IT'S NOT 1992. - Jorginho-RLC-Gallagher - Mount right wing. I'll back this from Potter, but I have so many questions about this XI
@AmericanHoolis: Best lineup I’ve ever seen in my unbiased opinion
@TOSOTC_CFC: Wow bold lineup but at this stage Potter always seems to have a plan. Rotation probably required considering we have so many matches lined up this month.
@BallTherapyYan: B Team settings
@reportingLibya: Maybe Potter knows something we don't. Hope so. Double hope + all fingers crossed.
@Joey_CFC: Good joke, now release the real one
@hburridge2: Bit confused with this. Feels over rotated. Not sure on Azpilicueta if this is a back four. Great opportunity for Gallagher and Loftus Cheek to continue their form. Big chance for Pulisic too.
@falsewinger: No idea what formation this is but looks way too attacking. Big chance for Pulisic, Koulibaly and Gallagher. Surprised that Mount isn't rested after playing continuously. Broja deserved a start today.
@Ziyechman: If we somehow pull out a massive win. Graham Potter might be the new Pep Guardiola of Chelsea.
@slendztalks: Must’ve picked out names from a hat uno
@eli_helenek: Seems like we’re resting some key players ahead of the AC Milan game Not too sure on the formation - maybe a 4-2-2-2? Will be interesting to see how it plays out on the pitch
@ProphetGuru1: Potter benches Reece James. Potter wrecking FPL teams. #potterout #fpl
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