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Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as they look to break into the top-four and close the gap to Manchester City after their defeat at Brighton.
The Blues currently sit fifth and Arsenal sixth but the teams are locked on 18 points. The visitors will be looking to bounce back from the two consecutive defeats to Newcastle United and Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Chelsea demolished FC Noah 8-0 in the Europa Conference League after drawing 1-1 at Manchester United in the Premier League. Ahead of the game, Cole Palmer remains a doubt to after being on the receiving end of a poor and high challenge from Lisandro Martinez.
Maresca revealed that it was becoming touch and go whether he would be available for Arsenal. “He’s better. He’s getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit. He’s getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision,” Maresca said.
With that in mind, here is how some of the game’s leading pundits feel United will fare against the Foxes.
Chris Sutton on Chelsea Vs Arsenal
Previewing the game for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “I don’t do this very often but my prediction here rests on whether one player is fit or not – Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Arsenal have a doubt over Declan Rice which is a worry for them, and Martin Odegaard will be rusty after returning from his layoff with a brief appearance against Inter Milan in midweek, but it is Palmer who holds the key.
“You are asking me to make a prediction and I don’t know which gun I’ve got – a bazooka or a water pistol. Palmer has missed training this week after getting injured against Manchester United last weekend and Chelsea need him if they are going to win this.
“Even if Palmer is absent, I don’t think Arsenal will win. What worries me about them is what they do in the opposition box. They played well against Inter but they came up short in front of goal, and they certainly aren’t clicking in the final third.”
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1 if Palmer is in the Chelsea team. 1-1 if he isn’t – final prediction will be made when the line-ups are announced before kick-off.
Alan Shearer
Speaking to The Metro, Shearer said: “Chelsea head into their match with Arsenal above the Gunners after 10 Premier League games, and though Arsenal have stumbled recently, it shows how well Enzo Maresca has done at Chelsea, especially when you include the chaotic nature at the club.
“The midfield is probably where this game with Arsenal will be won and lost. Rice and Partey against Caicedo and Lavia is a good battle because you’re talking about good midfielders that enjoy handling the ball.
“The game against Chelsea is a ‘must not get beat game’ for Arsenal. I don’t care who you are, the potential of sitting 10 points behind Liverpool is a lot at this level, and they can’t afford too many more defeats.
“There will be fireworks, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a red card or two, but I’ll go for a draw on Sunday.”