Enzo Maresca makes Arsenal 'pressure' claim and issues fresh Chelsea injury update
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Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they take on an Arsenal side in desperate need of consistent form. The Blues are in strong form currently, moving above the Gunners despite last weekend’s draw with Manchester United.
Enzo Maresca’s men look dangerous, and while they may not be ready to put together a sustained title charge, they do look strong contenders for a top four finish. Arsenal have much loftier ambitions, but they are currently goal difference below the Blues and as many as seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
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Hide AdStill, Arsenal are in a strong position to win Sunday’s meeting, according to Maresca, who said in his pre-match press conference: “I don’t know. I also like to get pressure from these kinds of game. The pressure is also for us. For sure, [Arsenal] are the closest team to City. Both, I consider them better than the rest.
“The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager for five years, and this is a big, big, big advantage compared to the rest. So for me, that’s why they are better than the rest. But we’re going to try on Sunday to make life difficult for them. We’re going to try our best.”
Palmer latest
For many, whether Chelsea can beat Arsenal depends on whether Cole Palmer returns from a knee injury he has picked up, and the good news is that the forward is in with a chance of returning, even if it is far from certain that he will play against the Gunners.
"He's better. He's getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn't mean he is completely fit,” Palmer added. "He's getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision."
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