Chelsea have the chance to close the gap to three points at the top of the Premier League table if they are able to beat Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side have enjoyed a very strong week, beating Burnley in the league before picking up a dominant 3-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League.
The most impressive part of the Blues being so high up in the table is they have done so nearly completely without Cole Palmer. Their star man has only taken part in three games so far this season.
However, Maresca confirmed Palmer was ready to start against the Gunners, bringing a completely new dimension to their side if he is selected.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Theo Walcott picks Cole Palmer over Martin Odegaard in combined XI
There are very few on the England international’s level in the world, and Theo Walcott believes he would be part of a combined XI between the two sides.
When creating a side for ‘It’s Called Soccer‘, the former Arsenal attacker named Palmer ahead of Martin Odegaard in a side created with players from both sides.
The final team also included Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo, however some Chelsea fans would certainly argue more of their players should be there.
Reece James and Enzo Fernandez certainly have an argument to be in the side, as well as the in-form Pedro Neto and exciting Estevao Willian.
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Likely Chelsea attack to face Arsenal
While Chelsea fans are hoping they can see Palmer from the start against Arsenal, there is also hope that Estevao will be alongside him.
The duo are yet to start together for the Blues, however in Palmer’s absence the Brazilian has been stepping up to the plate in big moments.
Despite his starring performance against Barcelona, Maresca refused to confirm Estevao would start against Arsenal, with there likely to again be less attacking places to play for due to their big game system.
James could move to midfield again and push Enzo Fernandez further forward, and without Barcelona’s high line there is far more appetite to sign a natural number nine up front.
