Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal will both be preparing for their respective biggest game of the season so far as the Blues will host the Gunners on Sunday, November 10. The two teams are fourth and fifth in the PL, respectively, adding an extra layer of competitiveness for the upcoming fixture.
However, manager Enzo Maresca will have a few dilemmas to deal with before this match. Key player Cole Palmer is a major injury doubt for Chelsea and would be a big miss if the team had to play this London derby without him.
So far this season, Palmer has made 12 appearances for the Blues across competition. He has led the contributions with seven goals and five assists in this span, and remains the most important player of this project. In his absence, others may struggle to provide the same output.
How Chelsea could line up without Cole Palmer
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In the worst case for Maresca and Chelsea, Cole Palmer will not be declared fit to start against Arsenal. However, luckily for the west Londoners, they have a plethora of options to replaced the attacking midfielder should he not be declared fit in time.
Preferred goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will resume his place between the sticks after Filip Jorgensen’s appearance against Noah. Marc Cucurella would start on the left side of defence, captain Reece James on the right. Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill will start in the middle.
Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo will remain the Premier League starting midfielders, while Enzo Fernandez will remain on the bench despite impressing against Noah. Noni Madueke will be on the right flank, while Pedro Neto will remain on the left. Mykhaylo Mudryk will start from the bench despite another encouraging performance in midweek.
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Cole Palmer will be risked if his is fit, with Nicolas Jackson in front of him up top.
Chelsea Predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James (C), Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
