One of Enzo Maresca’s biggest decisions before Chelsea host Arsenal in the Premier League is over whether Estevao Willian starts the game.
The Blues have already been boosted by Cole Palmer’s return from injury ahead of the big game, giving them a number of attacking options ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao is off the back of shining in the Champions League against Barcelona, certainly winning the individual battle with fellow wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Finish this sentence: Enzo Maresca should start ______ on the right wing vs Arsenal
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The youngster is saving some of his best moments for the big games, and a battle against top of the league in England would fit into that category.
Chelsea Training and Press Conference
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Brazil players have known how good Estevao Willian is for some time
There could be a battle between two of Brazil’s top attackers if Gabriel Martinelli also plays, with the duo firmly in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Martinelli has told the Evening Standard that the Brazil players were already well aware of his abilities before he made his move to West London, and is not surprised by the impact he has had.
He said: “The boy is so good as well, everyone in the national team loves him as well. He deserves everything that he’s doing – and I just hope he’s not on his day on Sunday!
“In the national team we had some talks, not just me and him, but everyone. So we knew before he came how good he is and it’s not a surprise for us because we knew him from Brazil. He deserves everything, so yeah, fair play to him.”
Arsenal Training Session
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Estevao’s chances of starting against Arsenal
Enzo Maresca refused to give away whether Estevao would start against the Gunners, but it can be believed that the Italian will differ to his system that he often operates in big games.
This would see Reece James move into midfield, and Enzo Fernandez play in a more advanced position.
With the potential of Palmer returning to the right-hand-side, it is more likely that we will see Estevao making his impact off the bench, potentially lifting the Stamford Bridge crowd for the final knockings of the game.
Pedro Neto is also causing the Brazilian a problem in his quest for a starting place. The Portuguese star has enjoyed a very strong start to the campaign.