There are going to be plenty of battles taking place on the pitch when Chelsea take on Arsenal this Sunday.
Declan Rice has already spoken about Moises Caicedo and his potential duel with the Chelsea midfielder in the middle of the park.
Out wide could be just as exciting, with Marc Cucurella set to go up against Bukayo Saka.
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Saka is one of the best wingers in the Premier League, but Cucurella will be confident, especially after their previous meeting at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella during Chelsea against Brighton in the Premier League.
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Marc Cucurella got the better of Bukayo Saka in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal
Pedro Neto was Chelsea’s hero against Arsenal last November after his brilliant strike prevented Enzo Maresca’s side from losing the game.
However, Cucurella also deserved credit for his role in Chelsea earning a point, as he put in a really solid performance.
The defender limited the threat of Saka and Arsenal’s attack, being dribbled past just once in 90 minutes.
In total, Cucurella made nine defensive actions, which was the most in the game, according to Sofascore. Saka had a couple of shots, but both were blocked, while the winger failed to register a single key pass or complete a single cross.
Marc Cucurella vs Arsenal, November 2024 Total
Minutes 90
Tackles (won) 3 (2)
Interceptions 3
Clearances 2
Blocked shots 1
Ground duels (won) 7 (4)
Dribbled past 1
It would be fair to say, then, that Cucurella got the better of Saka on the day, and Maresca will now be hoping for a repeat at the weekend.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka trying to hold off Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Marc Cucurella to come out on top again
Saka can be unplayable on his day, but Cucurella will feel that he can stop the England international, or anyone else for that matter, heading into the game.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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In Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Barcelona on Tuesday, Cucurella was able to restrict Lamine Yamal, whom some would view as an even more talented attacker than Saka.
If you can stop Yamal, you can stop Saka. That has to be Cucurella’s thinking ahead of the London derby.
The game could be won or lost on his flank. It is a battle to keep an eye on once it commences.