Potter may make major Chelsea changes for AC Milan match

Chelsea’s victory at London rivals Crystal Palace was slightly fortunate, and it leads Pride of London to believe that Graham Potter may make some major changes for the AC Milan match.

Three points in his first Premier league outing with the Blues in a derby is a fantastic outcome for Potter. The team he inherited was partially new and not functioning fully under Thomas Tuchel, so a win on Saturday afternoon was never a forgone conclusion.

In fact, an awkward mistake by Thiago Silva could have derailed CFC’s quest at Selhurst Park. The Brazilian legend was lucky to remain on the pitch after a handball; covering players and the positioning saved a blessed Thiago. It matters not whether the first or second handle interrupted play: it was clearly intentional, at least on the second touch.

Nevertheless, the defence, whilst more shaky than under the German, held out towards the end of the game. Too many chances were afforded to Palace; after Reece James dealt with Wilfried Zaha defiantly on Chelsea’s right side, the winger swapped and got more change out of Ben Chilwell. Chilwell is undoubtedly an excellent leftback/wingback, and we must also remember that he’s recently returned from a long period out with a significant injury.

Though Chilwell struggled on occasion with Zaha, offering too much space and time. Pushing the Ivorian into bad decisions by pressing gently would be better than backing into his own penalty area. That allowed the Eagles to gain momentum and pack the box, which was worrying as well as unsatisfactory. But the England international will get back to his best eventually, I’m sure. Four tackles showed that he certainly didn’t give a poor display overall.

Mason Mount will always give his best for the west London side. There is no doubting that. The Three Lions man’s work out of possession is underrated and often undervalued, especially when he isn’t supplying goals and assists. While Mount will definitely return to dazzling form at some point, other proven attack minded midfielders await.

Can we expect any major Chelsea changes for Champions League clash with AC Milan?

Potter will be pleased, as previously mentioned. Yet we are in a stage of trial and error and starting lineup development involving evolution. So, even though the next fixture is a vital UCL game against Milan, I envision a couple of alterations to the XI.

Kalidou Koulibaly, a player accustomed with everything and anything Serie A, might perhaps replace Thiago. If fit, Marc Cucurella is likely to reclaim his spot from Chilwell; we know Potter has a good relationship with the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher is knocking on the door with Mount under pressure. Kepa Arrizabalaga should retain his position as goalkeeper, for now, his footwork in particular aided Chels’ fluidity.