Table of Contents
When Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday, Enzo Maresca will have some concerns over Cole Palmer’s health as the Chelsea talisman could miss the match due to a knee injury. It could also see Palmer miss out on international duty for England, but when everything for Chelsea runs through the young player, adapting to his absence will be no easy task. Palmer has scored seven goals and five assists in ten games so far, picking up where his excellent debut season for the Blues left off.
For Arsenal, William Saliba will be able to return to the XI after serving his red card suspension, which will be a major boost to their defense. To avoid going winless in three consecutive games in all competitions, Mikel Arteta will rely on the Frenchman to contain Chelsea, with or without Palmer’s presence.
Let’s take a look at what could define this clash
Kai Havertz returns to hurt his former team
While revenge games aren’t a thing, this isn’t the same Kai Havertz who played for Chelsea. This Havertz has become a well-rounded nine for Arsenal with four goals and an assist to his name this season. While those may not be eye-catching numbers, the combination of that with his work rate and selflessness are things that will see Arsenal get going and become a starter at the same time. But while goals aren’t the only thing in his game after going three games without a goal, there would be no better time than now to get on the scoresheet.
To Palmer or not to Palmer
The importance of Cole Palmer cannot be underestimated for the Blues and even if he is available for the match, Maresca may have to consider alternative options if he cannot reach the full 90. Where will the creativity come from? Jadon Sancho was meant to be a boost, but it has yet to all work out for the winger during his time at Stamford Bridge. Sancho has missed time through illness and a knock and has not appeared in Chelsea’s last two league matches. He has already picked up three assists in his short time with the team and is someone who could provide other options in attack, but if he and Palmer cannot play, things could get tough for Chelsea.
Getting back on track
After going winless in their last two league matches, Arsenal are already seven points behind Liverpool in the race for the title. Even in the race for a place in the Champions League, they are behind Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. It’s still early, but this is a team that expects not only to be in contention for the title, but to win it. Bukayo Saka has spoken about how this is Arsenal’s year to get the job done and win the title, but the Gunners need to show it on the pitch. Chelsea are a formidable opponent, but that is exactly why Arsenal must win this match. A series of wins starts with the first, making this a great place to rebuild confidence.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday November 10 | Time: 11:30 am ET
- Location: Stamford Bridge-London
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: Chelsea +170; Sign +250; Arsenal +145