Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Arsenal with Cole Palmer decision made

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been left sweating over the fitness of star player Cole Palmer ahead of a crunch clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The 22-year-old suffered a knock during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last Sunday and only returned to training on Friday.

The Blues made light work of their UEFA Conference League tie against FC Noah after their ‘B team’ thrashed the Armenian minnows 8-0. But Mikel Arteta’s men will present a much tougher test despite their recent wobble.

Arsenal have lost three of their last six games in all competitions and are winless on the road in the Premier League since September 15. The Gunners will be hoping to put things right in the tense London derby clash, with only goal difference separating the two sides in the table.

Maresca will be able to call upon the players rested in midweek, although the only question that remains is whether Palmer – who has seven goals and five assists this season – is ready to return.

Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

The pressure is increasing on Maresca to drop Sanchez after the Spaniard conceded a needless penalty against United. The 26-year-old goalkeeper was also responsible for gifting a goal to Arsenal in the 2-2 draw in this fixture last season and another error could see him lose his place.

Despite their goal glut, Filip Jorgensen performed admirably to keep out Noah’s attack and the Norwegian made a string of impressive saves to preserve his clean sheet.

But Sanchez is still expected to retain his spot ahead of Jorgensen as the Blues’ starting goalkeeper as the Maresca keeps faith in the under-fire shot-stopper.

Defence: Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Reece James

There are no fitness concerns over right-back Gusto, who was substituted at the half-time interval at Old Trafford last Sunday, as Maresca explained it was a ‘tactical decision’ to bring off the Frenchman.

The youngster, 21, is expected to keep his place in the hybrid right-back/central midfield role. On the opposite side, club captain James is hoping to start his fourth consecutive game at left-back – something he hasn’t achieved since April 2023.

After being rested for their midweek European fixture, Fofana and Colwill will slot back into the side in place of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile respectively.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer

Maresca has kept his cards close to his chest on Palmer’s involvement and he could face a late fitness test. The 22-year-old suffered a knock to his knee following a high challenge from Lisandro Martinez against Manchester United.

In the event that Palmer isn’t fit to start, Maresca has hinted Joao Felix could be in line for a belated second full debut after failing to make the starting XI in the league. The Portuguese has scored four goals in his last three starts across the UEFA Conference League and Carabao Cup.

Lavia will start ahead of Enzo Fernandez, although the Argentinian could still come into the side as a replacement for Palmer.

Attack: Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto

It has clear from his regular selection of the trio that the combination of Madueke, Jackson and Neto is his preferred front three -and Chelsea’s attacking triumvirate is unlikely to change from the front three that started at Old Trafford last week.

However, Madueke will be feeling the heat from Felix, Christopher Nkunku and Mykhaylo Mudryk, who all scored in midweek. The England international has gone four games without a goal or assist and competition for places is rife at Stamford Bridge.

Jadon Sancho is still out as he recovers from illness and a knock to his knee, with the winger expected back in training after the international break.