Chelsea vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea welcome league leaders Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, aiming to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table.

Enzo Maresca’s side arrives in excellent form. In fact, they sit second in the table and look to make a statement against their London rivals. The Blues will be buoyed by the return of key players. Furthermore, they boast a strong recent defensive record at home.

However, they must overcome a poor history against the Gunners. Chelsea has won just one of their last 11 league games against Arsenal. Therefore, a victory here would provide a significant psychological boost. Crucially, it would blow the title race wide open.

Chelsea team news

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered the news fans have been waiting for. Specifically, he confirmed that star man Cole Palmer is fully fit and available to face Arsenal. The England international has not played since mid-September due to injury. Now, he is in contention to start the top-of-the-table clash.

His return adds a potent dimension to the attack. Indeed, the team is already flying high after a 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona. Teenager Estêvão Willian shone in that match with a Player of the Match performance. Excitingly, Maresca hinted that the duo could feature together.

There is further positive news regarding Dario Essugo. The midfielder has returned to partial team training. However, Sunday likely comes too soon for his full return. Unfortunately, the Blues remain without several key players. Romeo Lavia is ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury. He joins long-term absentees Levi Colwill (knee) and Benoit Badiashile (muscle) on the sidelines.