Palmer gives Arteta something to think aboutpublished at 14:34 GMT
Chelsea v Arsenal (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter
Cole Palmer is back, sparking a selection headache for in-form Chelsea and giving visiting Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta another concern before Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.
It is first against second at Stamford Bridge, and the return of a key attacker after two months out is headline news.
However, despite being declared fit to start, should he play? Chelsea have shown it’s no longer appropriate to call them “Cole Palmer FC”, winning 10 of their 13 matches without the 23-year-old.
Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto are in scintillating form, while fellow wingers Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho continue to improve. Enzo Fernandez leads Chelsea’s tally for combined goals and assists amid Palmer’s absence.
The most exciting front four might be Joao Pedro up front, Neto on the left, Palmer as a No 10 and Estevao on the right flank. Yet Maresca may opt to show respect to Arsenal and leave Palmer and Estevao on the bench, selecting Joao Pedro, Garnacho, Fernandez and Neto as his attacking quartet.
Image source, Getty Images
