Graham Potter must fix three things before Premier League return

Chelsea's next six Premier League fixtures

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Chelsea boss Graham Potter has three major issues that he must fix before the Premier League returns on Boxing Day. The Blues have failed to live up to their usual standards during the campaign so far and currently languish eighth in the division, failing to win any of their final three games before the World Cup break. Here Express Sport addresses the club’s issues and how they should be solved before domestic action gets back underway. 

Integrating Marc Cucurella 

Summer signings Cucurella is yet to hit top form as they struggle under Potter. The Spaniard has been one of the club’s poorest players having regularly been utilised as a left-sided centre-half which has simply not suited him. The former Brighton coach will need to get the best out of the 24-year-old with Ben Chilwell likely to still be sidelined when the Premier League returns. 

He was not called up to Spain’s World Cup squad so Potter will have plenty of opportunities to work more closely with him in the coming weeks as he seeks to get the best out of him. 

Finding balance in the front line 

One of the biggest issues faced by the side currently is the under-performing frontline with a lack of balance being one of the key issues. Mason Mount has performed well since Potter’s arrival but struggled towards the World Cup break while the likes of Kai Havertz and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang have only sporadically shown what they are capable of. 

Potter will have the opportunity to work closely with the duo in the coming weeks with neither having a role in the rest of the tournament in Qatar. Finding the pair’s best positions will then help gain a better balance once the Blues England stars return. 

Find a way to play without N’Golo Kante

Kante has been a huge miss in the Chelsea midfield having been missing since the second game of the season with a hamstring issue. The Blues’ performances have suffered in his absence with Potter failing to settle on a regular pairing and with the Frenchman set to be out until February a solution needs to be found. 

The World Cup break has offered him the opportunity to do so with Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing no part in the tournament. The duo can afford to give closer focus on establishing a partnership given their respective talents dovetail nicely. A consistent midfield pairing could be the bedrock to progress up the Premier League table.

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