Chelsea predicted lineup vs Dortmund - Champions League
By Chris Smith
Chelsea travel to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night in desperate search of a positive result.
The Blues have won just one of their nine post-World Cup matches despite heavy investment during the January transfer window. It's a run that has left Chelsea ninth in the Premier League table and quickly trying to appease an angering fanbase.
They face a tough task against a Dortmund side in hot pursuit of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race and with six wins under their belt since the World Cup.
Here's how Graham Potter could set up for this difficult clash:
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Borussia Dortmund
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga - With Mendy still sidelined, Potter has no choice but to start Kepa, who has blown hot and cold.
RB: Reece James - Is now fully fit after increasing his minutes in recent weeks and should be good to go again on Wednesday.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah - Benoit Badiashile was not registered for Chelsea's Champions League squad, so Chalobah should come in alongside Thiago Silva.
CB: Thiago Silva - Chelsea will need Silva's leadership and experience in these tough times, especially in the heat of an away match against Dortmund.
LB: Marc Cucurella - Played his part in Chelsea's goal against West Ham at the weekend but continues to frustrate with some misfiring passes and defensive mistakes.
CM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek - Was solid against West Ham and his withdrawal in the second half suggests he'll keep his place with the likes of Kante and Kovacic still out.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - Provided an excellent pass for Joao Felix's goal on Saturday. Chelsea will hope he can deliver that sort of quality again during the week.
RW: Noni Madueke - Made his first start for the club on Saturday and showed a couple of glimpses of what he's capable of. Will look to continue that momentum here.
CAM: Joao Felix - Put his awful debut behind him with a goal against West Ham, which should fill him with the confidence needed to help pull Chelsea out of the mess they're in.
LW: Mykhaylo Mudryk - Has shown plenty of promise in his first two games as a Chelsea player and will look to show what he can do in the Champions League.
ST: Kai Havertz - Had a goal disallowed on Saturday and is now three without finding the net. Needs to improve if he's to keep his place in Potter's starting XI for much longer.