Frank Lampard has had a similar experience at Chelsea to Graham Potter so far. In his first two games there have been formation changes, individual errors, toothless attacking and a continuation of poor results.
His second spell at the club has started far from ideally and facing Brighton on Saturday will be yet another tricky task. The Blues have little to play for in the league - although their form puts them amongst relegation candidates the buffer is too big to seriously be in that equation.
The competitive fixtures left for Chelsea this season may truly only extend to Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge against Real Madrid too. After that there may well just be seven league games to go. Any unlikely Champions League progression would only extend their dismal campaign.
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In order to prepare for that game Lampard must first bypass the Seagulls. Whilst striking a balance between looking ahead to Madrid and appeasing the SW6 faithful, Lampard has plenty of questions to answer.
With Kalidou Koulibaly and Ben Chilwell out for the second leg he needs to find a new defensive structure to get Chelsea through the tie on Tuesday, meanwhile any sign of scoring a goal would be an added bonus. Chelsea haven't got two in a win in the league since December 27.
They will need to ensure that whilst hitting top form in time for mid-week they are also in a position to give the fans something to cheer about on Saturday. Here's how they can do it.
Heavily rotate
Lampard hinted that his side would be changed from the one that lost 2-0 in Santiago Bernabeau, saying: "Tomorrow [Saturday] will be an opportunity for some players who didn't play in the Champions League, possibly didn't play at the weekend, to come in because it's a game where we absolutely need freshness and energy as well. So every opportunity, they should take."
This could mean a rejig across the pitch. Reece James, who looks far from himself, may benefit from a rest ahead of facing Vinicius Jr, meanwhile Wesley Fofana looked as ragged as he has done since returning from injury. Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben-Loftus Cheek could return in their place.
Thiago Silva is likely in need of some time out too after being rushed back for the game, Benoit Badiashile is the natural fit for him, Marc Cucurella can slot in at centre-back even though he may be required at wing-back on Tuesday, Lewis Hall could see his belated return to the team.
In midfielder Mason Mount hasn't started a game since February 3, he could come back in with Denis Zakaria to add presence and energy. N'Golo Kante can be saved for midweek too. Up front Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke are both fresh on the wings with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in for a near complete reset.
Chelsea XI: Mendy; Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella, Hall; Zakaria, Mount; Mudryk, Madueke, Aubameyang.
Madrid beaters
Lampard could also prioritise familiarity and go for a team that he expects to face Madrid, though it risks injury. This would see James, Silva and Kante all in the side from the start with Enzo Fernandez keeping his place in midfield. Elsewhere Joao Felix and Kai Havertz have linked up well without end-product previously and could return as the favoured front two.
The defence is still the cause for concern with Cucurella likely needed as cover for Chilwell at wing-back, leaving a space in the middle in mid-week. That can be covered by Badiashile for now but isn't possible for the European tie.
Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Fofana, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Felix, Havertz.
Formation change
Does Lampard dare think about the back four again? It backfired at Wolves but could prove to be the best fit for the player available against Brighton and Madrid.
James would remain in, whilst Fofana and Badiashile play here, Cucurella is the natural left-back, though Chilwell can play domestically despite his ban for the Champions League. A pivot of Fernandez and Kante is one to get fans excited whilst Mount operates further forward.
Mudryk and Madueke are the wingers in a 4-3-3 and could flank Havertz as the focal point.
Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Kante, Mount; Mudryk, Madueke, Havertz.
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