Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon at Selhurst Park.
Graham Potter will take charge of his first league game since becoming Chelsea head coach in September after the decision was made to relieve Thomas Tuchel of his duties following less than two years in charge.
The 47-year-old’s first game ended in a 1-1 draw to RB Salzburg in the Champions League and he will be hoping to pick up his first win and a vital three points in the London derby this weekend.
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It’s the first game back from the international break. Chelsea haven’t played a league game since the start of September - when they beat West Ham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge - due to their fixtures against Fulham and Liverpool being postponed.
Chelsea are currently in seventh place in the league and a win could propel them into the European spots, with Potter’s side having a game in hand over several sides above them.
Potter was handed welcome boosts in training at Cobham ahead of the clash in the capital. Both Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante featured in training following injuries.
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But Kante was confirmed to be out, however hoped of a return next week, while Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka are both ill.
Potter said: “N'Golo is fine in terms of coming through the rehab stages. He has been on the grass with the team but not in full training. We have a bit of illness with Marc Cucurella and also Carney Chukwuemeka, but apart from that everyone is fit.”
He added: "Edou is a bit further on, but hasn’t had enough to be involved at the weekend. Maybe next week for him."
Potter, 47, has yet to beat Crystal Palace as manager but it is not a statistic that fazes him. He said: “I miss those stats that bring a bit of negativity! It shows how tough the Premier League is.
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"We had some tough games against Palace, we should have won. That’s history. Looking forward to Saturday and changing that record.”
When is the match?
It will take place on Saturday 1st October at 3pm (UK) time.
Where is the match?
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The Premier League match will be held at Stamford Bridge, London.
How can I watch the match?
The fixture will not be available to watch live in the United Kingdom.
For those in the United States, the game can be watched on USA Network.
Topics: Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Premier League, Football
Matthew Debono