How Chelsea could line up at Fulham with Graham Potter planning HUGE overhaul with Enzo Fernandez and Mudryk starting
GRAHAM POTTER is ready to unleash a host of new signings as Chelsea look for revenge against Fulham tonight.
The Blues are still reeling from last month’s 2-1 derby defeat at Craven Cottage.
Enzo Fernandez could be thrust straight into Chelsea’s starting XI against FulhamGetty
PAMykhailo Mudryk is also hoping for a full debut after coming off the bench against Liverpool[/caption]
But Chelsea are set to line up with a bold new look in the return game at Stamford Bridge.
As many as four of Potter’s eight new signings look set to slot straight into the starting XI.
New £107million record signing Enzo Fernandez looks set to start as Chelsea rush to register him before today’s 4pm deadline.
N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria are out injured, while Jorginho was sold to league leaders Arsenal on deadline day.
And Fernandez may have to dictate the midfield tempo immediately.
Conor Gallagher could line up next to the Argentina World Cup winner.
But Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also in with a shout after returning from an injury.
Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke could get the nod on the flanks as Potter looks for a greater threat from out wide.
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Chelsea could include four new signings in their starting XI tonight
Hakim Ziyech could yet end up starting on the right despite seeing a late move to Paris Saint-Germain collapse.
However, Raheem Sterling is only likely to be on the bench following his own injury woes.
Up top, Kai Havertz should beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the striker’s spot, with Mason Mount operating as a No10.
And in defence, Benoit Badiashile is almost certain to partner evergreen Thiago Silva after keeping clean sheets in the last two matches.
Kalidou Koulibaly is available if Potter prefers more experience though.
And Cesar Azpilicueta could yet come in at right-back as he looks to usurp Trevoh Chalobah.
The Blues have plenty of options, and still have other stars out injured or suspended
Reece James is also available after recovering from his injury setback, but Potter confirmed yesterday the England star does not have 90 minutes in his legs yet.
The same applies to Ben Chilwell, with Marc Cucurella or Lewis Hall ready to start at left-back instead.
And Potter is also ready to keep Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal despite Edouard Mendy’s availability, with young American Gabriel Slonina also in town.
As for Chelsea’s other new faces, David Datro Fofana will be hoping to secure a spot on the bench.
But Joao Felix is still suspended after being sent off in the Craven Cottage defeat.
Lyon right-back Malo Gusto doesn’t join until the summer.
And Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is still awaiting a work permit as he plays at the South American U20 Championships.
Potter has a few more youth options up his sleeve though, with Carney Chukwuemeka and Omari Hutchinson featuring before January’s splurge.
But although there could soon be a return for centre-back Wesley Fofana, striker Armando Broja will miss the rest of the campaign with a cruciate ligament rupture.