Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, as the Gunners’ closest challengers in the early Premier League standings. This will be the Blues’ toughest test yet – and there are interesting questions for head coach Enzo Maresca to answer…
How do you beat the best defense in the Premier League?
Chelsea have scored 41 goals in 19 games this season, but Arsenal are the only team in the Premier League with a higher total.
However, given the exceptional quality of the Gunners’ defence, how Maresca builds his attack this weekend and who he chooses to start will be a key decision.
Cole Palmer should be back. But having just returned from a groin injury and subsequent broken toe that hampered his start to the season, will he really be available from the start?
This may mean João Pedro becomes number 10 again, but the front-line striker in front of him has been a problem, with Chelsea’s number 9s having started in the league this season, whether Liam Delap, Marc Giu or João Pedro, have only scored one goal.
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Kaveh Solhekol has explained why Chelsea have “absolutely no expectations” of winning the Premier League this season.
Maresca used Pedro Neto as a false nine to great effect against Barcelona on Tuesday, but Delap’s first Champions League goal off the bench could be the boost they need before taking the lead against Arsenal.
Another attacking decision that will be of interest to Chelsea supporters is whether Estevao will start.
Estevao started against Barcelona and scored a stunning goal. But Maresca is cautious about the 18-year-old’s game time and is selective about his opponents. Estevao hasn’t been given back-to-back starts since August.
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South American soccer expert Tim Vickery believes Chelsea’s Estevao is the most talented Brazilian since Neymar.
Is it now time to believe this teenager will go again?
Blues fans will be keen to see him off the bridge, but that would require Neto to switch to the left, leaving Burnley starters Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens on the bench.
How do we stop the threat of a fit Odegaard and Arsenal again?
As mentioned above, not only do Arsenal boast an incredible defense, but they have also scored more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season.
After Marc Cucurella shut down Lamine Yamal, his one-on-one battle with Bukayo Saka looks set to be another box office hit. However, Saka could be supported by Arsenal’s returning captain Martin Odegaard, which would give Chelsea fans an unwanted flashback.
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Paul Merson has reacted to Arsenal’s ‘statement’ win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The Norwegian was instrumental in both of Arsenal’s goals against Chelsea last season, scoring on the bridge from a cross with Gabriel Martinelli and converting a corner kick to set up Mikel Merino’s winner against the Emirates. He was involved in seven goals against Chelsea, his best return against a Premier League opponent.
If the Arsenal captain is not 100 per cent ready to start, in-form Eberechi Eze will be back in action, hoping to score a hat-trick in the North London derby and an assist against Bayern Munich. The depth the Gunners have at their disposal is frightening.
Enzo Fernandes will have a key role supporting the left flank, with captain Reece James expected to return to a deeper role at right-back. Meanwhile, Fernandes’ midfield partner Moises Caicedo will be competing with Declan Rice.
Sunday, November 30th 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
With Kai Havertz and Viktor Gökeres progressing back from injury in time for this derby, Arsenal’s threat could be multifaceted and difficult to contain.
Despite failing to name the same starting centre-back pairing for 12 consecutive games, Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana may have a chance to prove they can be Chelsea’s first-choice pairing at the heart of defence.
How do you stop a set-piece goal?
Isn’t Gabriel there? no problem. Arsenal’s free-kick and corner-kick threats remain. Bayern Munich became the latest team to be overwhelmed by Arsenal’s set-piece talent when Julien Timber broke the deadlock with a header from a corner kick in Wednesday’s Champions League match.
Of course, Arsenal will score a lot from open play as well, but Maresca will certainly plan on setting up his defense for dead-ball situations to counter one of the Gunners’ big strengths.
He might take some time to reevaluate his offensive routine. Chelsea rank fourth in terms of goals scored from set pieces this season, with their goal coming from a short corner against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Can you make a (different) statement and emerge victorious?
Liam Delap scores Chelsea’s third goal against Barcelona
Beating Barcelona 3-0 was a big result. So, we see off the defending Premier League champions 2-1. Add in the 3-0 victory over the European title holders in the Club World Cup final, and Enzo Maresca might wonder if he already deserves more recognition for his contribution in the big games.
But if you’re at Chelsea, every game is an important game and you need to be part of the conversation for great honour.
It feels like an important match that will determine the momentum of the Premier League title race. Will Chelsea be able to close the gap on Arsenal, or will it show that they are not at the level of serious competition?
Chelsea have won just one of the last 11 games they have played against Arsenal in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in their last six games at Stamford Bridge.
If Maresca can pass Arsenal’s test and find a way to give Chelsea a win, the narrative and expectations will change.
