Graham Potter has enjoyed statement victories in the Champions League as Chelsea head coach. What he needs is one in the Premier League. The visit of Arsenal to Stamford Bridge this afternoon provides the perfect opportunity.
Chelsea have struggled on their own patch against the Gunners in recent years; their last home Premier League victory over their London rivals came all the way back in August 2018. It is time for that disappointing run to be brought to an end, although it will admittedly not be an easy task.
Not only have Arsenal made an impressive start to the campaign but Chelsea are struggling with a number of injury issues, especially in defence, amid a punishing fixture schedule ahead of the World Cup. "it's almost like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic," Potter admitted ahead of today's game.
READ MORE: Graham Potter honest Chelsea failure proves why he can break Thomas Tuchel trend
There will be no Kepa Arrizabalga in goal for Chelsea this afternoon. The Spaniard re-established himself as the club's number one following the appointment of Potter but is ruled out with plantar fasciitis. Kepa is not expected to feature again prior to World Cup so Edouard Mendy will keep his place between the posts.
Also out are Reece James (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee) and Ben Chilwell (hamstring). Kalidou Koulibaly made his return from injury in midweek but played only 65 minutes. For that reason, it is unlikely the Senegal international is thrown straight back into the side and that would ensure Potter starts with a back four of Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella.
There is a decision to make over Mateo Kovacic too. The Croatian has been nursing a knee issue since pre-season and wasn't in the matchday squad to face Dinamo. But if he is fit enough to start, Kovacic comes into the midfield for Denis Zakaria. If the 28-year-old isn't, then it is likely Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts alongside Jorginho and Mason Mount.
Raheem Sterling got himself on the scoresheet in midweek and looked far more comfortable in the attack. If he occupies the right flank once more, it may mean Kai Havertz continues to operate as a number nine and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is deployed off the left against his former club.
Predicted Chelsea side: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Mount, Jorginho, Kovacic; Sterling, Havertz, Aubameyang.
READ NEXT:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends sly Arsenal message ahead of Mikel Arteta reunion with Chelsea
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea vs Arsenal, Kepa, Chilwell, Kovacic, Aubameyang and more
Graham Potter gives Ben Chilwell injury update as Chelsea face anxious wait ahead of Arsenal
Todd Boehly can complete four Chelsea transfers in January to solve big Graham Potter problems
Graham Potter has six-man Chelsea question for Arsenal clash as Denis Zakaria announces himself
