Graham Potter will try to stabilize his team’s European campaign as Chelsea hosts AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Even though Graham Potter’s Premier League reign as Chelsea’s new manager started out well, there were still signs of the previous administration’s flaws. The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager has three points domestically, but when AC Milan plays Chelsea this week, halting their European slide would be next on the agenda.
With a late goal against Crystal Palace, Conor Gallagher secured three points. But Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for Europe are slim. After two games, the Blues are currently last in their group after playing to a 1-1 draw with Red Bull Salzburg.
Chelsea has only collected one point thus far, so Potter is aware of the significance of a first victory to jump-start their European journey. They have the difficult task of defeating AC Milan, who is currently leading their Group E.
Milan’s Serie A title defense has gotten off to a rocky start. Lazio is currently in fourth place, ahead of the Rossoneri on goal differential. However, Milan has performed well in Europe despite the ups and downs in Serie A. The Rossoneri defeated Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 in their second match after beginning their season with a difficult 1-1 draw away to Red Bull Salzburg.
Before the midweek match, Stefano Pioli will have to make adjustments to his team. The manager of AC Milan will already be thinking about the weekend match with Juventus. The two Chelsea games will be followed by that marquee Serie A match. Prior to their trip to London, Milan should be optimistic, but the match is sure to be challenging.
The fitness of at least four first-team players has been questioned frequently, but Chelsea has received good news. Prior to the AC Milan match, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Marc Cucurella, and Carney Chukwuemeka were all considered to be major doubts.
The quartet has since participated in practice, but Graham Potter will control their participation at Stamford Bridge from the beginning. Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to stay in goal, but whether or not Kante plays will depend on the medical staff’s report.
In terms of tactics, Potter has abandoned the more practical strategy used by his predecessor Thomas Tuchel with a back three in favor of a 4-3-3 style. Wesley Fofana and Thiago Silva will likely remain at the center of Chelsea’s defense under the new manager, though the latter may be replaced by Kalidou Koulibaly if necessary.
Additionally, Potter might let Conor Gallagher start on the right side of the midfield. After a string of poor showings, Jorginho might be benched, and Mateo Kovacic will probably move into the center. Mason Mount might enter midfield in the meantime.
Potter may keep the other two attackers, Aubameyang and Sterling, in his front three while Christian Pulisic may join the attacking group. If Chelsea had been in a better position in their Champions League group, Denis Zakaria in midfield and Armando Broja in the attack might have had a chance.
Stefano Pioli is well aware of how crowded his hospital room is right now. Up to seven first-team players are receiving medical attention and could miss the trip to Chelsea. Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan, Divock Origi, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are among the most notable.
Furthermore, Pioli lost three more players to injury as a result of the weekend victory over Empoli. All three players—Simon Kjaer, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Davide Calabria—experienced issues, raising questions about their participation at the weekend.
Therefore, Pioli’s preferred starting eleven is unknown, though we will imagine the potential result based on the players on hand. At the center of the AC Milan defense, Pierre Kalulu and Fikayo Tomori ought to team up instead of Sergino Dest, who might be one of the starters.
Along with Tomori, Olivier Giroud might make an incredible comeback to Chelsea, though he’ll be looking to score a blow on his former club this time. Rafael Leao, Ante Rebic, and the Frenchman could form a front three with Charles De Ketelaere filling the creative void.
Probable Lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Gallagher, Kovacic, Mount; Raheem Sterling, Aubameyang, Pulisic
Probable Lineup for Milan (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Bennacer, Tonali; Rebic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Olivier Giroud
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