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Chelsea at Palace: predicted XI, 3-5-2 for Potter?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Nike Mercurial boots worn by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Nike Mercurial boots worn by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Thiago Silva of Chelsea (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Silva has this spot for the foreseeable future, especially because Kalidou Koulibaly has not started this season well. The Brazilian has been one of Chelsea’s better defenders this season, which admittedly, isn’t saying much. He’s not likely to play as many games as he did last season, but Potter is yet to win a game as Blues manager, so he’d want as much assurance in the backline as possible.

Wesley Fofana (No. 33) Right centerback, France

Fofana was an unused substitute against Salzburg and was almost flawless against Zagreb save for the loss of concentration for the goal. Cezar Azpilicueta played as the right centerback against Salzburg but it’s hard to see Potter deploying him there again. The French centerback won 5/7 tackles for the Blues in the game against Dinamo Zagreb.

Reece James (No. 24) Right wide midfielder, England

James will play as the right midfielder for this one like he did against RB Salzburg. It may be true that Potter prefers his wide midfielders to be inside forwards, but there’s no substantial claim to back that other than Sterling in the Salzburg game. Potter also cannot play James as a centerback in this system as he often runs forward and will probably end up on the flanks anyway. With Silva at the center of the back three, James cannot be the right wingback/right midfielder, because it’d leave CFC with a wide-open right flank for the opponent to feast in.

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