Following the conclusion of the international break, Chelsea will resume league play this weekend (October 1) with an away match against Crystal Palace.
Following a lackluster start to the season, the Blues will be looking to turn their 2022–23 Premier League campaign around.
After six games, Chelsea is currently seventh on the points table with a goal differential of -1. The West London team has already dropped two games this campaign to Southampton and Leeds United.
Graham Potter, the Blues’ new head coach, will also oversee his first Premier League game for the team against Crystal Palace.
Potter might make a few adjustments to the team that drew Red Bull Salzburg at home in the UEFA Champions League just before the break.
Without further ado, this article will examine four players who the Chelsea head coach might start with against Crystal Palace.
#4 Edouard Mendy
The Senegalese shot-stopper is currently Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper and it will be interesting to see if he keeps his spot under Potter.
Due to an injury, Edouard Mendy was unable to play in the Blues’ most recent matches against Dinamo Zagreb and Red Bull Salzburg. Kepa Arrizabalaga started in his place.
After a brief injury hiatus, Mendy has recently resumed first-team training and may be available to face Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper could make his 100th appearance for the west London club against the Eagles, should he be offered game-time by Potter.
After a dismal start to the season in which he gave up nine goals, he will also be trying to win over his new head coach.
#3 Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly, a Senegalese center back, was one of the unexpected players that was benched from Chelsea’s most recent match against Salzburg.
The 31-year-old defender was an unused substitute as the Blues failed to secure a win against their Austrian opponents at Stamford Bridge.
Koulibaly could nonetheless be in contention to return to the starting XI for the Blues against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
#2 Wesley Fofana
Another player who might be called back into the Blues’ starting XI when they travel to face Crystal Palace this weekend is Wesley Fofana.
During Potter’s debut match in charge of Chelsea against Red Bull Salzburg, the 21-year-old defender didn’t play a single minute of football.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta was placed in the right-center-back position by the English tactician. The Blues failed to maintain a clean sheet against their opponents, hence the decision ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Against Crystal Palace, Fofana’s athleticism might be crucial for Chelsea. This is because Patrick Viera’s club possesses incredibly dangerous wingers such as Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha.
#1 N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante, a French midfielder, has returned to training after suffering a hamstring injury, much to the joy of most Blues supporters.
When the team played Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, the 31-year-old experienced an injury setback.
Since then, Kante’s injury has kept him out of each of the Blues’ last six games across all competitions. Chelsea only managed two victories in those six games, thus his absence was also felt in the middle of the field.
Should he be declared fit, Kante will no doubt be one of the first names to be named in Potter’s starting XI against Crystal Palace. He has played only two games for the west London club this season.
