Two ways Graham Potter's Chelsea could lineup vs…

Two ways Graham Potter's Chelsea could lineup vs Brighton amid Kovacic and Koulibaly doubts

After securing qualification to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-1 win over RB Salzburg on Tuesday, Chelsea travel to the Amex stadium to face Graham Potter's former employers Brighton in the hopes of getting back to winning ways in the Premier League after two successive draws.

Chelsea have struggled for consistency in the league more recently under Potter after a goalless stalemate against Brentford last Wednesday which was followed up by another draw against Manchester United last Saturday.

Although, the Blues were able to put their league difficulties to one side in Europe ending RB Salzburg's 40-game home unbeaten streak thanks to stunning strikes from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz.

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Potter has used 21 players from the Chelsea squad since his arrival and is yet to name the same starting XI in back to back fixtures, as he continues to figure out his best team.

The 47-year-old has carried over the coaching methods that he used at Brighton deploying wingers as wing-backs, a system that has continued to be used by new Seagulls coach Roberto De Zerbi with both Solly March and Leandro Trossard still finding joy in their new positions first implemented by Potter.

Brighton are without a win since De Zerbi joined the club but they have faced Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs as part of their last five fixtures and the challenges keep on coming with Potter's Chelsea sure to give the Seagulls another tough test.

On the injury front, the Blues will continue to be without N'golo Kante, who is set to spend at least four months out after surgery following a hamstring injury, and Reece James and Wesley Fofana are both missing with short-term knee injuries, although the latter is expected back soon.

Kalidou Koulibaly also suffered a knee injury against Brentford and despite Potter initially playing down the seriousness of his issue, he will miss this weekend's game, while Kovacic was "feeling his calf" after the game against Salzburg leaving his availability for the weekend in doubt.

With all that injury news in mind, here is three ways Potter could set up his Chelsea team against his old club:

Kovacic not risked

The Croatian midfielder was excellent in the Champions League victory over RB Salzburg but after coming off early in the second half with a possible calf problem, Potter may not want to risk his talented midfielder.

Potential starting Xl (3-4-2-1): Arrizabalaga; Koulibaly, Chalobah, Cucurella; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Sterling, Mount; Aubameyang.

Havertz pushing for start

Another player who impressed in the week was Kai Havertz, Potter was full of praise for the German in his post-match press conference speaking on his goal: "It was a fantastic strike and it's an indication of the quality he has. I'm so pleased for him."

Potential starting Xl (3-4-2-1): Arrizabalaga; Koulibaly, Chalobah, Cucurella; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell; Havertz, Mount; Aubameyang.