Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this afternoon with Enzo Maresca facing some tough decisions, especially when it comes to Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian
As far as double headers go, they do not come as big as Barcelona and Arsenal at home. For Chelsea, that is the reality, as the Blues look to make it two wins out of two, with the Gunners the visitors to Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Spurred on by their historic 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night, Enzo Maresca’s side have the opportunity to move within three points of Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders, with a win on Sunday afternoon. After such a strong performance on Tuesday, could Maresca be tempted to name a similar line-up for the visit of their London rivals, or will the Chelsea head coach look to rotate – as he so often does – yet again?
Bobby Vincent discusses his predicted Chelsea XI below:
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez has been in fine form for the Blues thus far this campaign. The Spaniard had a surprisingly quiet evening on Tuesday, but was strong with his feet to help Chelsea build their attacks from the back at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James
James had a stint in midfield against Barca, but Maresca could be tempted to use his captain in a more conventional right-back role this afternoon. No matter where the England international has played this season, he has done extremely well. Chelsea need another big performance from James today.
Wesley Fofana
The Frenchman’s performances have perhaps gone under the radar a little bit in recent weeks. Fofana has looked somewhat close to his best version in recent appearances. Fitness depending, he should start again at Stamford Bridge.
Trevoh Chalobah
Maresca’s go-to man at centre-back. It has been some turnaround for Chalobah, who at the start of last season, was training with the Under-21s as the club looked to offload him. Now, he is one of the first names on the team sheet for Chelsea.
Marc Cucurella
An inspired performance on Tuesday night, shutting down Lamine Yamal. The challenge does not get any easier for Cucurella, who is set to come directly against Bukayo Saka today.
Moises Caicedo
Everyone is hyping this game up to be ‘Moises Caicedo vs Declan Rice’. Caicedo himself won’t be thinking too much about that specific battle, rather how he can help Chelsea pick up a crucial three points. If the Ecuadorian is at his sensational best, then the Blues have a much better chance of doing just that.
Enzo Fernandez
Perhaps a slightly deeper role for the Argentine midfielder today. This will not restrict him too much, though, from making those trademark runs into the box. Arsenal’s midfield will have to keep a close eye on Fernandez emerging from deep.
Pedro Neto
Neto started as the sole No.9 on Tuesday night but could return to a more orthodox right wing role today. Estevao Willian, as brilliant as he is, has been protected massively by Maresca so far this season and the head coach could hold him back once again.
Cole Palmer
The huge news coming from Cobham on Friday afternoon was that Palmer is fit enough to be in the squad on Sunday. Not only that, but Maresca also confirmed his No.10 is available to start if needed. This is, of course, a big risk, but you feel as if Chelsea are to break down this extremely stern Arsenal defence, they might need a bit of magic from their talisman’s left foot.
Alejandro Garnacho
Many were surprised he didn’t start against Barcelona in the week, but there could be space in the line-up for Garnacho today. Maresca is slowly starting to trust the Argentine winger more and more with each passing game. He will need to track back a lot against the Gunners and help Cucurella.
Joao Pedro
Not even used against Barcelona, but Joao Pedro could return to the line-up today. There is a shout, of course, for Liam Delap to be used from the start given Chelsea’s No.9 scored his first goal of the season on Tuesday. Maresca, though, might call upon Joao Pedro, who has been in good recent form in the Premier League.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
