Although Chelsea are set to face RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday night, following the postponement of the Blues' Sunday clash with Liverpool, new boss Graham Potter has a few weeks to work with his new squad before his first Premier League game in charge.
Potter's success at Brighton earned him the job at Stamford Bridge, though some Chelsea fans are still sceptical over the decision, given the fact that his predecessor Thomas Tuchel was extremely popular in west London. Nevertheless, what's clear is that Potter is tactically adept.
In fact, his Seagulls outfit are known for being one of the most fluid in the division, chopping and changing tactics as well as personnel on a game by game basis. With that in mind, let's take a look at how his new look Chelsea could lineup under his management.
READ MORE: Graham Potter sets exciting Chelsea target amid Todd Boehly verdict after Thomas Tuchel exit
For much of last season, and in the few games he was in charge of Brighton for this campaign, Potter familiarised himself with variations of a 3-5-2 setup. That sometimes included a 3-5-1-1 in clashes against the so-called tougher opposition, whilst we witnessed an unorthodox 3-3-3-1 in the 2-1 opening day win over Manchester United. Meanwhile, a 3-4-2-1 has also been commonplace.
Marc Cucurella - who Chelsea bought from Brighton before Potter was appointed - actually played on the left-hand side of a three at the back under the Englishman, something we could see again.
Whilst you'd expect that he won't have to chop and change as much with Chelsea, given that he now has world-class players at his disposal, we can assume there'll be tactical tweaks pretty much every game, as that is the Potter mantra.
Taking the aforementioned formations into account, here's a few ways he could setup (from left to right), providing everyone's injury-free:
3-5-2: Mendy; Cucurella, Silva, Fofana; Chilwell, Kovacic, Mount, Kante, James; Havertz, Aubameyang.
3-4-2-1: Mendy, Koulibaly, Silva, Fofana; Cucurella, Jorginho, Kante, James; Mount, Sterling; Aubameyang.
3-3-3-1: Mendy, Koulibaly, Silva, Fofana; Kovacic, Jorginho, Kante; Ziyech, Mount, Pulisic; Sterling.
3-5-1-1: Mendy, Cucurella, Silva, Fofana; Chilwell, Kovacic, Mount, Kante, James; Havertz; Aubameyang.
It'll ultimately be interesting to see how Potter deploys the talent he has. What's clear though is that no player's position in the starting side is safe and he will mix things up if he believes it's necessary to secure victory.
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter has already found Chelsea's next N'Golo Kante but may have to pay big to sign him
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge:
Thomas Tuchel breaks silence on Chelsea sacking with sincere message to staff, players and fans
Transfers, nurturing youth, formations and his weakness - What Graham Potter brings to Chelsea
Five Chelsea legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
