Graham Potter’s Blues return to action at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they welcome a struggling Leeds United side with both teams needing three points as they look for a change in fortune.
Chelsea were disappointing last time out losing 2-0 away at Tottenham with Thiago Silva suffering a knee ligament injury putting him out for the foreseeable future as more pressure is piled on Potter to get results.
Whilst the visitors who have recently sacked Jessie Marsch will want to get a second consecutive league win under new coach Javi Gracia despite being knocked out of the FA cup midweek by fellow SW6 side Fulham.
Chelsea will want to win their first game since January 15 after Kai Havertz’s goal was enough to complete the double over Crystal Palace.
But it’s fair to say that the new signings also haven’t quite got off to a flyer yet and with Boehly’s big money spending in January we are yet to see any progression in either tactics or results.
There will be some notable absentees for the home side, Thiago Silva as mentioned will still be out injured with rumours confirmed by the head coach both Mason Mount and Reece James also picking up knocks in training.
The Champions League second leg at home next Tuesday could also impact the squad selection with players needing a rest which could see a rotation from the previous matches.
The Blues may need to revert to a five-back if they are to pick up the right result with the threat of a resurgent Leeds attack ready to cause the wingbacks issues.
Chelsea will hope that both N’golo Kante and Denis Zakaria are back in contention to make an appearance to join new record signing Enzo Fernandez in the midfield.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to keep his place despite conceding three goals in his last two games with Edouard Mendy’s contract still under question after talks broke down at the beginning of January.
Joao Felix will want to get back on the scoreboard after he was the only player to net in February for the Blues but hopes for a high-scoring Chelsea side are still low with questions still being asked about Chelsea’s need for a clinical finisher.
With no possibility of moving up in the league and out of 10th Potter will need to work his magic to get this squad to get the much-needed results.
Chelsea will want to pick up a good result at the Bridge in the reverse fixture that saw Potter’s predecessor get sacked back in September.
Written by James Logan (@Prof_JLO)
Edited by Tom Coley (@tomcoley49)
Follow us on: