Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday in what will be a battle between the Premier League’s top two, and Enzo Maresca has some crucial calls to make.
Chelsea haven’t won against Arsenal since 2021. The seven-game winless streak is the longest since Jose Mourinho took over at Stamford Bridge more than 20 years ago.
Arsenal are title favourites this season, boasting an impressive defensive record and some new signings who have flown out of the gates.
Reece James was on the scoresheet the last time Chelsea beat Arsenal. Who scored the other goal?
Reece James scores for Chelsea vs Arsenal
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
If Maresca is to buck the recent trend, it will require a starting XI as close to Chelsea’s strongest as he can manage. Here’s who The Chelsea Chronicle think he will choose for Sunday’s clash.
Maresca will be happy to stick with Chelsea defence
Tuesday’s Champions League clash is still fresh in the memory, and while the attacking displays stole the show, a clean sheet is probably most impressive.
Barcelona had not failed to score in a game since Christmas until they faced off against Chelsea’s back line of Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella.
Gusto was withdrawn at halftime, but Maresca’s recent press conference saw no mention of the Frenchman. As such, we’re assuming he’s fit.
Robert Sanchez will be protected by the same back four as Tuesday night.
If it ain’t broke…
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
Which order are you going with? ð¤
Physicality in the Chelsea midfield
Again, no changes needed in the middle of the park.
Moises Caicedo will be joined by Reece James once again in the engine room. The in-form Enzo Fernandez will play ahead of them in the 10 role.
Those three will be more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the Arsenal midfield, and the narrative around Caicedo and Declan Rice makes this a tantalising proposition.
In a shocking twist, Maresca claimed Cole Palmer is available against Arsenal, even saying that he can start. We don’t think this is going to be rushed, though. Palmer has missed most of the season, and the last thing Chelsea want is to see the injury aggravated again.
He could make a massive impact off the bench.
Cole Palmer celebrates with Estevao Willian after Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Maresca trusts form in attack
So far, not the most exhilarating of predictions, but such a dominant display against the champions of Spain leaves little room for improvement.
We are going to see a change in the front line, though.
To begin with the big question for most Chelsea fans — does Estevao start against Arsenal?
For us, absolutely. Estevao’s form has been ridiculous lately, and if Palmer is kept on the bench, the 18-year-old’s potential for a magical moment could be the difference.
That might sound harsh on Pedro Neto, who has been fantastic in his recent starts. Well, not to worry. Neto starts on the left. It might not be his strongest position, but he’s versatile enough to make it work.
In keeping with prioritising form, a rested Joao Pedro leads the line. The Brazilian has broken out of his rut with two goals in his last three league starts, and his link-up play could be key to unlocking a stubborn Arsenal defence.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Arsenal