Sunday afternoon brings a tough London derby that should attract viewers from England and around the world as Chelsea entertain Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Even at this early stage of the season, there is a lot on the line. The Gunners may have suddenly liked more than the Blues to compete in the Premier League but both teams are sitting on 18 points heading into the game, ten points behind fugitive leaders Liverpool.
There have been serious questions about the format of the two teams in recent weeks, but Sunday will present an opportunity to get back on track and avoid going into the international break as they feel confused. But which players will be key to the results in west London?
Here are three key battles that could determine the course of the points when Arsenal visit Chelsea on Sunday.
Moises Caicedo vs Declan Rice
Two of the most expensive players in Premier League history will be tasked with keeping quiet about the other when Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice wear corners.
Ecuadorian international Caicedo spent his tough first season at Stamford Bridge, looking narrowly beaten under Mauricio Pochettino, but former Brighton & Hove Albion star has clear intentions against Enzo Maresca. scored Chelsea’s equalizer against Manchester United last week.
He will look to cover every blade of Stamford Bridge grass, as will the number opposite Rice. The England star lost to Inter in the middle of the week with a toe problem but is expected to return for the trip across London. His acquisition will be a big boost for manager Mikel Arteta, who could win after two consecutive defeats.
Marc Cucurella vs Bukayo Saka
Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka are well-known enemies this time. The duo met in the summer during the Euro 2024 final, and it was Cucurella from Spain who beat England to a great extent as they went on to win 2-1.
That said, Saka’s impact at Arsenal is huge given his team’s output at this level, and Cucurella will get his hands on a great job to stop the 23-year-old from putting a quality cross into the box and stop him from close to the goal.
Cucurella is confident of winning this fight on international duty, but he will need all his wisdom about him to come out on top again.
Cole Palmer vs Gabriel
There are serious doubts about Cole Palmer’s fitness level heading into Sunday’s mammoth meeting. The former Manchester City striker suffered a knee injury against United last week but there is hope he will come out to make Maresca a start in the XI.
That will be a big boost for Chelsea, who are leaning on the 22-year-old in many ways. Palmer already has seven goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, and it is Gabriel who is likely to be tasked with shutting him down.
Palmer will start from the right but will often get in the middle as he wants to open Arsenal and take deadly passes to his teammates. If Gabiel and centre-back William Saliba are not on standby, Chelsea’s number 20 could separate the visitors.