Chelsea and Enzo Maresca face their sternest examination yet when Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Maresca’s side enter the London derby riding a wave of confidence following their stunning 3-0 Champions League demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday night.
The emphatic victory showcased Chelsea’s evolution from early-season inconsistency into genuine contenders, with teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular solo goal providing a potential glimpse of the exciting future being built in west London.
However, Arsenal represent an entirely different proposition.
Mikel Arteta’s men arrive at the Bridge unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Chelsea, not to mention 16 games unbeaten overall since losing to Liverpool in August.
The Blues currently trail Arsenal by six points in the Premier League table, meaning Sunday’s clash carries enormous significance for their title ambitions.
Victory would reduce that deficit to three points and encourage realistic title hopes, while defeat would establish a potentially irrecoverable nine-point gap to the leaders with barely a third of the season completed.
Maresca faces crucial selection decisions, particularly surrounding Cole Palmer’s fitness.
Chelsea have already signed “the next Cristiano Ronaldo” for half of his release clause
He could be their next Estevao-esque talent.
Chelsea have done well to cope without their superstar player, but reports have suggested that Palmer could be in contention to face Arsenal after breaking his toe recently.
The England international has been out since Chelsea’s defeat to Man United at Old Trafford in September, first being kept out by a niggling groin problem before then suffering that toe injury earlier this month.
It’s been a nightmare start to 25/26 for Palmer personally, with the Englishman desperate to get back on the field.
Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal clash
Now, in some good news for the Blues, Maresca has confirmed that Palmer is ready to start against Arsenal this weekend.
“He is available for both [to start and to play],” Martesca told reporters, via football.london.
In more good news, Maresca also confirmed that midfielder and summer signing Dario Essugo also took part in a training session this morning.
“Dario Essugo took part in the session this morning, good news.”
Palmer’s availability for Sunday’s clash provides Chelsea with their most potent weapon against the Premier League leaders, coming as a big boost for Maresca.
The 23-year-old has been instrumental in Chelsea’s transformation under Maresca, providing the sheer quality that elevates their attacking play.
The former Man City star racked up 18 goals and 14 assists last term, spearheading Chelsea to the Conference League, Club World Cup and a top four Premier League finish.
His composure in decisive moments separates him from Chelsea’s other attacking options, and against high-pressure opponents like Arsenal, Palmer’s calmness on the ball and intelligent decision-making will prove invaluable.
Suddenly, Chelsea’s chances of upsetting Arteta have just increased tenfold.
