It's no ordinary season as far as football clubs are concerned – and Chelsea are no different.
With the World Cup going ahead in the winter, during the season, there have been drastic changes to the schedule. Teams have now been asked to essentially cram loads of fixtures in beforehand and afterwards, with over a month of international football due to kick off in a few weeks' time.
So, for Chelsea, they will play nine matches – in all competitions – over October. In no particular order; the Blues face trips to Crystal Palace, AC Milan, Aston Villa, Brentford, Red Bull Salzburg and Brighton & Hove Albion, while they host Milan, Wolves and Manchester United.
Fortunately for Chelsea, after a very busy summer transfer window, new head coach Graham Potter is blessed with a deep squad. The squad itself is set to be tested to the maximum across the nine matches in October – and it could mean rare opportunities handed to some of the so-called 'fringe' players, who haven't been given many chances of late.
So, with that being said, football.london looks at seven Chelsea players that can benefit from the packed fixture schedule...
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has made just one appearance in the Premier League this season for Chelsea. The 23-year-old fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel but will be hoping to win new boss Potter over in the coming weeks.
The Cobham graduate has some difficult competition, though, in the right centre-back spot. New £70million signing Wesley Fofana, as well as club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and the brilliant Reece James have all occupied the spot in the past.
Denis Zakaria
Signed on transfer deadline day on loan from Juventus, Zakaria is yet to make a competitive appearance for Chelsea. The 25-year-old midfielder will surely be used in some way or another during the busy October fixture list.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher, who scored for England Under-21s in their 3-1 win against Germany on Tuesday evening, will be hoping for a fresh start under Potter. It's been a disappointing start to the season for the Cobham graduate after impressing on loan at Crystal Palace last term.
One thing that will surely benefit Gallagher is Potter often using three in the centre of midfield. Of course that allows an extra position for Gallagher to occupy, but as well as that, it gives him more freedom to roam than being used in a double pivot.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka signed for Chelsea over the summer for around £20m with assurances at the time that he would get opportunities in the first-team this season. So far, the teenager is yet to feature in a competitive game for the Blues.
However, the England youth international netted twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brighton earlier in the month. Potter demonstrated during his time down on the south coast at Brighton that he is not afraid to give youngsters an opportunity in the senior side and Chukwuemeka will be hoping October can be a chance for him to show what he is capable of on a bigger stage.
Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech wanted to leave Chelsea over the summer transfer window after being frustrated with the lack of football he got last season. This term, the Moroccan has made four appearances in all competitions but has failed to grasp his chance.
During October, expect Chelsea's attacking line-up to be rotated plenty, meaning the likes of Ziyech could be given more opportunities to impress. He needs to take it, though, otherwise, a move in either January or next summer looks very likely for the former Ajax winger.
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic and Ziyech are in very similar situations. Like his team-mate, Pulisic was looking for a move over the summer, but Chelsea kept hold of the American.
There's no doubt the USA international will be called upon numerous times in October, whether that's from the bench or from the start. Chelsea need to see so much more from Pulisic when he is given the chance. It's a fresh start under Potter for the former Borussia Dortmund attacker.
Armando Broja
Broja has been restricted to coming off the bench this season but has impressed while doing so. A start cannot be far away from the Albanian centre-forward.
When you take into consideration that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now 33 years old, it's unlikely the striker will start nine matches in a row in October. There needs to be time for rest and rotation and that's when Broja will surely be given his chance to showcase his talent.
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