“We have to”- Graham Potter drops selection hint for Chelsea’s dead-rubber tie vs Dinamo Zagreb

Club News: Graham Potter drops selection hint for Chelsea’s clash against Dinamo Zagreb

Chelsea play host to Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb later tonight for their final group-stage encounter in the Champions League this season. The Blues have already secured their qualification to the next round and this tie could merely be a formality for the west London club.

However, Graham Potter does not believe that to be the case. The Blues boss plans to field a strong eleven against his opposition. In an interview as quoted in the Metro, the Chelsea gaffer hinted at the team selection.

“I don’t think it’s a time to be using young players just for the sake of it. We have to be competitive and we have to be respectful of the competition, that still teams are looking for points for their own qualification.”

“So from our perspective we have to try and think of a team that we think will win the game.”

The Blues surprisingly lost the reverse fixture against tonight’s opposition back in September which led to then-coach Thomas Tuchel getting the sack. Potter hopes not to repeat that and will hope for a win.

Edouard Mendy is expected to be in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga picked up a foot injury during the 4-1 thrashing by Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. The Spaniard had established himself as the number one under Potter, but Mendy will hope to be changing that.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be assessed before the game and is likely to sit this one out. N’Golo Kante will also not be available as the player is still recovering from his injury, having last featured for the club in August.

Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to be available for selection and is in contention to start the game. Trevoh Chalobah could continue his impressive performances with another start with Marc Cucurella likely to start over Thiago Silva.

Up front, young striker Armando Broja could start the game with Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling on the flanks. A win for Zagreb coupled with favourable results elsewhere could help them qualify for the Europa League.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea striker Armando Broja addresses his future after summer transfer rumours
• Transfer News: Chelsea target Wilfried Zaha looks likely to leave Crystal Palace for free despite lucrative contract offer
• Kalidou Koulibaly vowed to write history with Chelsea and replace Arsenal as league leaders

Fans will hope for a victory nevertheless. It would be a good morale boost for the players as they will then get ready to host league leaders Arsenal this weekend. Potter will hope to win all the remaining games this month before the season halts for the World Cup.