By Alex Roberts
Arsenal are winless of their final three league video games and danger falling additional behind Liverpool and Man Metropolis within the race for the title, sitting in sixth, degree on factors with Chelsea after ten video games.
As for Chelsea, a colorless draw with Man United in sport week ten might have been quite a bit worse given the circumstances, however Maresca will little question nonetheless really feel disenchanted they have been unable to benefit from some beneficial outcomes round them.
Life with out Cole Palmer
Chelsea have been fortunate; they’ve hardly ever had to consider a sport with out talismanic ahead Cole Palmer. That may be about to alter after he picked up a knock of their draw with Man United.
Palmer has performed nearly each Premier League minute for Chelsea thus far this season, his solely respite coming after being substituted of their 3-0 win over West Ham having scored their third aim.
Maresca’s aspect have a wealth of expertise, summer time signing João Félix is their second-choice quantity ten. He’s the same kind of participant to Palmer, however with out his finish product, Chelsea might be nervous if Palmer just isn’t match to start out on the Bridge.
Martin Ødegaard’s well timed return
The Arsenal captain has been out of motion since early September after choosing up a critical ankle harm in Norway’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Austria however is about to return to the fold.
In determined want of his creativity, Arteta’s aspect have the second-worst Premier League scoring document amongst the standard ‘high six’ with 17 objectives, eight greater than struggling Manchester United.
Ødegaard’s return will restore steadiness to Arsenal midfield. His shut management and innate capacity to pick a cross with little question give the likes of Moisés Caicedo heaps to consider.
Moisés Caicedo beginning to justify his price ticket
A profitable £100 million+ participant is uncommon, particularly at Chelsea, nonetheless, after an underwhelming begin to life on the membership final season, Caicedo is beginning to buck the development.
His volley in opposition to Man United obtained all of the headlines, however his total efficiency was nearly as good as we’ve seen from him in a Chelsea shirt. Ending the sport having gained eight floor duels, made 4 recoveries, and 4 passes into the ultimate third.
Partnered alongside Romeo Lavia, he has given the membership a very totally different dynamic to their midfield, including extra physicality whereas nonetheless sustaining a inventive outlet, he’s managed to offer two assists too.
The Ecuadorian would be the N’golo Kanté alternative Chelsea thought they have been signing all alongside.
Prediction
It’s arduous to look past Arsenal for this one. Arteta has a ridiculous document at Stamford Bridge, profitable three and drawing certainly one of his earlier 4 Premier League video games on the floor.
Not solely does he have a historical past, he has a trigger. Decided to show their faltering title problem round, anticipate Arteta to tug out all of the stops to safe victory.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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