Chelsea predicted line-up vs Arsenal: Enzo Maresca rings the changes and makes critical Cole Palmer decision
Chelsea are taking on Arsenal in what is the final game before the international break at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will be aiming for their first statement win of the season when they take on Arsenal in the Premier League later today. Enzo Maresca's side currently sits ahead of the Gunners on goal difference. The Blues are hoping for the return of Cole Palmer, who took a heavy knock against Manchester United and has barely trained since.
Maresca stated that Palmer is progressing well and, given that it’s more of an impact injury than a muscle issue, he is likely to play. There is also uncertainty surrounding the availability of Jadon Sancho, who has not featured since mid-October.
This match represents Chelsea’s best opportunity to overcome their London rivals, having failed to win any of their last five meetings with Arsenal. However, there is positive news—Chelsea have lost just once since their opening-day defeat to Manchester City.
Ahead of what should be a thrilling encounter, here's the anticipated Chelsea starting XI for the game:
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Robert Sanchez has come under pressure in recent games, but he is expected to keep his place as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. The defence is likely to see just one change, with Marc Cucurella coming in to mark Bukayo Saka, ahead of Malo Gusto.
Captain Reece James will start at right-back, while the central defensive pairing will be Levi Colwill and the ever-impressive Wesley Fofana. The Blues have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven matches, so they will need to be at their best to silence the Arsenal attack.
Midfielders
The midfield is the engine of Chelsea’s team, where Maresca believes the game will be won. There are few players in the world currently in better form than Moisés Caicedo, and he will start, with Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia getting the nod ahead of Enzo Fernandez to partner Caicedo. As long as Palmer is fit, he will also start in the attacking midfield role.
When Palmer is at his best, there are few players who can match his quality.
Forwards
Chelsea's forward line is becoming more settled, with Nicolas Jackson set to lead the attack. He will be flanked on the right by Noni Madueke and on the left by Pedro Neto. Christopher Nkunku, Joao Félix, and Mykhailo Mudryk could all feature off the bench, depending on how the game unfolds.
Possible Line-up:
Sanchez; Cucurella, James, Colwill, Fofana; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Madueke, Neto; Jackson.