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Bobby Vincent

Wesley Fofana replacement, big Edouard Mendy decision: Graham Potter's Chelsea XI to face Wolves

There have definitely been some positive signs for Chelsea under new head coach Graham Potter.

The 47-year-old is now in the biggest job of his footballing career and some were fearful he would be unable to live up to the pressure that coincides with the managerial role at Stamford Bridge. However, it's been a tremendous start for Potter as Chelsea head coach.

Two wins from his opening three matches in charge means there is a lot of positivity and excitement amongst the Chelsea supporters at the moment. There's a general understanding there needs to be patience with Potter and his large group of backroom staff for their ideas to reflect on the team and their performance levels.

READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Fofana, Kante, Cucurella, Chalobah, Costa and Chelsea vs Wolves

However, it's very encouraging that he's been able to lead Chelsea to back-to-back victories in the last couple of games. He will be hoping it can become three successive wins for the first time this season when Wolves come to the Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The team selection remains somewhat of a mystery to predict at the moment as Potter settles in. So, with that said, football.london's trio of Chelsea reporters Bobby Vincent, Scott Trotter and Daniel Childs have done their best at guessing the line-up Potter selects on Saturday.

Bobby Vincent

After a brief stint with four-at-the-back last weekend, Potter then selected a back-three for the Milan win. Before even talking about the formation, though, there remains a big question over who starts in goal.

Edouard Mendy returned to the squad on Wednesday after his knee injury. Kepa Arrizabalaga, however, started in goal, but I think we could see Mendy back in the side for the Wolves match.

If he goes for a back-three again - which I think he will - then there's obviously no Wesley Fofana. Potter ruled the French defender out for a "few weeks" in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

Trevoh Chalobah came on for him in the week and we could see the 23-year-old defender from the start at the weekend. Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly could keep their places after both impressing against Milan.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek deserves to keep his place in the side after a superb display on Wednesday. Mateo Kovacic is the obvious choice to start alongside him, with Jorginho perhaps still not 100 per cent fit after picking up a knock at Crystal Palace last weekend.

I can see Marc Cucurella coming in for Ben Chilwell on the left-hand side, with Reece James keeping his place on the right after a tremendous display in midweek. The front-three will remain the same: Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Bobby's XI: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Cucurella; Sterling, Mount, Aubameyang.

Scott Trotter

Each Chelsea XI this month is going to be difficult to choose but with Fofana's injury, at least one change will be required. Regardless of whether Potter opts for three or four at the back, Chalobah is perhaps the closest profile to the Frenchman, and having stood up well to Rafael Leao on Wednesday, the 23-year-old has earned his place in the side.

Ahead of him, Loftus-Cheek has probably been Chelsea's standout central midfielder so far this season and perhaps his partnership can develop with Kovacic given the quick talent Wolves have going forward.

James has earned himself 'undroppable' status and while Cucurella returning to full fitness is no guarantee of a start, that Chilwell has seen out 90 minutes in each of the last two games, it may be a good opportunity for Potter to use the Spaniard at wing-back for the first time since his arrival in September.

Sterling, Mount and Aubameyang were all substituted against Milan, meaning they should be ready to start once again to continue building their bonds in an attacking sense, even with the likes of Gallagher showing some promise in a more attacking role. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the former Palace loanee or Armando Broja get a start in the next week or two.

Scott's XI: Kepa, Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Cucurella; Sterling, Mount, Aubameyang.

Daniel Childs

Potter has kept us guessing so far, using three formations in three games. It would not be any shock now to see a libero deployed just to stop Diego (Costa) running riot on Saturday.

Or maybe a false wing-back? But given the assuredness and conviction of Wednesday night's display, one suspects at the very least, a majority of the personnel will remain.

Loftus-Cheek, James, Aubameyang and Silva were all standouts, whilst Chalobah deserves to keep his place now Fofana is out injured.

The only doubt could be a return for Cucurella in place of Chilwell to add competition and precision with the ball that the England international lacked a little against Milan; or Conor Gallagher, whose influence in the last league game was defining.

Daniel's XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly, James, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Cucurella, Mount, Sterling, Aubameyang.

Who gets into your starting XI? Use our team selector and leave a comment below to have your say.

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