When Chelsea hosts Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night, it will be the final time in 2022 that Chelsea competes in the Champions League.
The Blues are already guaranteed to advance to the competition’s round of 16 and will undoubtedly win Group E.
Although Potter’s team lost both of its opening two games in the competition, it quickly secured back-to-back triumphs over Milan.
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The following week, Chelsea defeated Salzburg 2-1 to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Their upcoming match against Zagreb will be their final European match of the year.
There is a chance that some young players could make a debut at Stamford Bridge because the Blues don’t have anything to play for against their Croatian opponents.
Potter has, however, stated that he will not be using them merely “for the sake of it.”
He stated in his pre-game press conference: “It’s not the right time to employ kids just for the sake of using them. We must make an effort to select a winning team.
“We employed a lot of young players, and they were excellent. Their charm and character have appealed to me.”
Here is how Absolute Chelsea see the Blues’ possible starting lineup for Wednesday’s game versus Zagreb.
Possible Chelsea Line-up to face Dinamo Zagreb: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Loftus-Cheek, Zakaria, Jorginho, Chilwell, Pulisic, Broja, Ziyech
Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly unable to play in the game, so Edouard Mendy is anticipated to take his place in the goalkeeping position, according to Potter.
After a brief break from the team, Kalidou Koulibaly might make a comeback, possibly joining Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah in the back three.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell might play wingback together, especially given Marc Cucurella’s recent performance-related struggles.
Denis Zakaria, who has yet to play a single second in a Chelsea jersey, might start with Jorginho in the middle of the midfield.
Although Armando Broja has yet to make a Champions League debut, he might get the chance against Zagreb.
Because the team is currently experiencing injuries, Potter might decide to rest players like Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount.
Therefore, opportunities for Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic to shine may be presented, especially for the latter who has made few appearances so far this season.
Chelsea won’t play again in Europe until early in 2019, when they’ll take part in the prestigious competition’s knockout stages.