It’s pretty amazing how much that can change in the space of a week.
When chelsea last off the pitch was in Croatia, after losing 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match of this season’s Champions League group stage, with Thomas Tuchel lamenting his side’s performance on the night.
Now, just over seven days after that defeat, the Blues have appointed a brand new head coach in the form of Graham Potterwhile not playing a game in the meantime, giving them a rare extended break.
The west part of London will host a club that could not be more in contrast to its current situation: Salzburg sit on top of the Austrian Bundesligawinning seven of their first eight games of their domestic season.
They had to settle for a draw against the other team in Group E, AC Milanwhen they faced the Italian giants on matchday one, but will feel quietly confident of their chances of facing a Chelsea side who may not be at their best.
Team News
chelsea
In his first press conference since being appointed as the Blues’ new boss, Graham Potter was asked about his squad’s availability ahead of this midweek fixture – his first charge of the team.
Luckily for the 47-year-old, one thing he won’t have to worry too much about is injuries – at least for now – with the only absence being that of the midfielder. N’Golo Kantebeen away for a few weeks now.
Granted, he’s a pretty big player that Potter misses, given his contribution to the team when he’s there, but with a lot of team depth – like Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho – the new boss should be fine.
Salzburg
As for Matthias Jaissle team, he will have a bit of a headache when it comes to figuring out who he can field in this midweek clash, with a whole host of injuries hampering his team’s availability.
It is at the back in particular that the 34-year-old manager will have to think long and hard, with no less than four of his five recognized centre-backs currently on the sidelines meaning ad hoc replacements will be required.
Leaving behind Bernard will likely fit in temporarily, as he has done recently, while the top two favorites of Fernando and Noah Okaforwho was rested this weekend for Salzburg’s 3-0 win over SV Riedshould also come back.
Probable compositions
chelsea
Mendy; Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Aubameyang, Sterling
Salzburg
Cohn; Dedic, Pavlovic, Bernardo, Ulmer; Capaldo, Seiwald, Kjaergaard; Kameri; Fernando, Okafor
Key players
Chelsea – Reece James
In a squad that looked remarkably inferior for much of the start of this year’s campaign, there have been few standout performers for Chelsea so far, but one player who certainly falls into that category is Reece James.
The England international – who struggled with various injury setbacks throughout last season – has been able to secure a strong run in the team, with his performances getting better and better each time he plays .
With 1.2 expected assists, the Blues forwards can hardly complain about a lack of service from the right side, and combined with his excellent defensive skills, the 22-year-old is a handful for any team.
Salzburg – Noé Okafor
It’s another 22-year-old who is chosen from the Austrian opposition before this one, a sign of the promising youthful prospects that both sides obviously possess, with Noah Okafor being the star of the show for Salzburg this season.
The striker is his side’s top scorer in the league, with five goals and one assist – in fact, he’s only managed to score in three of Salzburg’s eight top-flight games this season.
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The Swiss international even put his side ahead against AC Milan in their first group stage game, meaning he’ll feel particularly confident to get on the scoresheet in the English capital in the middle of the season. week.
Match Details
Where is the game played?
Graham Potter will lead his team for the first time to Stamford BridgeChelsea Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
This game is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. BST on Wednesday, September 14.
How can I watch?
BT Sports will air this one, with coverage starting at 7.15pm BST.