Chelsea will play for just the second time under Graham Potter when they take on Crystal Palace.
The Blues drew their only game under their new boss, against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League in mid-September, but haven't played since that stalemate. Potter has had limited opportunity to work with his squad due to the international break that saw several of his players jetting off around the globe.
Chelsea's slow start to the season means they are already eight points off the pace and needing to find some form sooner rather than later. The new owners' decision to hire Potter is one that could still backfire given his lack of experience at the top level as they look to hire top operators in other areas of the club.
These are the latest news lines coming out of Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku's release clause date
RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku reportedly had secret medical checks with Chelsea in the summer - but the 24-year-old's €60million (£53m) release clause is not able to be triggered until next year.
Nkunku has a number of suitors across Europe after notching 35 goals in 52 games for Leipzig in all competitions last term. And the versatile forward has carried that rich vein of form into the new campaign, where he's already bagged six goals.
Chelsea were one of the club's who are interested in striking a deal with Leipzig for Nkunku, but the release clause that was inserted in the contract the forward signed back in June complicated a summer deal.
Mitchell's cryptic response
Monaco chief Paul Mitchell hasn't completely shut down rumours he could be on his way to Chelsea to become their new sporting director.
Mirror Football understands the Blues are set to step up interviews for their sporting director vacancy next week, and Mitchell has been linked with the vacant position. New co-owner Todd Boehly has been occupying the role on an interim basis since Petr Cech quit his role as technical and performance adviser at the end of June after the club’s £4.25billion takeover.
Chelsea originally looked at ex-Liverpool guru Michael Edwards to fill the role but he is on a sabbatical and is taking a year out. Christoph Freund has also said he has been approached but the Austrian turned down the move to west London to remain in his role with Red Bull Salzburg.
When asked about the Chelsea rumours, he told Nice-Matin : "That’s news to me. Honestly, working at AS Monaco is a unique opportunity. I am happy. It is always good to be linked to clubs of this calibre. It’s a compliment to everyone working here."
Potter's admission
Graham Potter has pledged to help smooth the impact of Chelsea ’s rapid transition under new owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
New manager Potter will oversee his first Premier League game at the Blues helm in Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, some 23 days after his appointment. Chelsea’s new owners Boehly and Eghbali have set a relentless pace in their sweeping Stamford Bridge overhaul, that spans far beyond the coaching ranks.
The Blues will continue the hunt for sporting and technical directors to bridge the gap between training ground and boardroom, while a raft of exits has already been seen in the medical ranks. Potter’s calming authority should prove a stabilising influence amid a state of Stamford Bridge flux, and the 47-year-old admitted he will play his part in helping ease through the widespread change.
