Chelsea Starting XI vs Arsenal Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Selection Dilemma Ahead of Arsenal Showdown

Maresca Seeks Stability in Goal

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Robert Sánchez will start between the posts as Chelsea travel to Arsenal for a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday. Sánchez, who began the season as the first-choice goalkeeper, temporarily lost his spot to Filip Jörgensen last month but has since reclaimed it. His selection follows a steady performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leicester in the FA Cup.

“It will be Robert playing against Arsenal,” Maresca stated. “Since we start, the idea was not to change goalkeeper – but sometimes you have to modify, you have to be flexible in your idea.”

Sánchez’s return highlights Chelsea’s broader attempt to establish consistency in a campaign that has frequently been disrupted by injuries and tactical reshuffles.

Defensive Reinforcements Set to Return

Maresca rotated his squad for Thursday’s Europa Conference League tie, making six changes as Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen to book their place in the quarter-finals. With that job done, the focus shifts to the Premier League, where Chelsea must present their strongest defensive unit against an in-form Arsenal side.

Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana are all expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested midweek. Chelsea’s backline has been unsettled throughout the season due to injuries, and Maresca will be eager to restore some solidity against one of the league’s most dynamic attacks.

Attacking Concerns as Palmer’s Goal Drought Continues

One of Chelsea’s biggest headaches going into this game is the form of Cole Palmer. The attacking midfielder has now gone 10 matches without finding the net, a worrying streak given Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal.

Photo: IMAGO

Palmer was benched against Copenhagen but featured in the second half. His creativity remains crucial, but Maresca will be hoping he rediscovers his scoring touch soon.

In the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who remains sidelined until after the international break, Pedro Neto is once again expected to fill in as the makeshift No.9. The Portuguese winger has adapted well to the role but is not a natural striker.

“We are trying to find solutions,” Maresca admitted. “Pedro, since we start, I think is doing very well in that position. We will see on Sunday if we use Pedro there or we change something.”

Chelsea’s Expected Lineup

With defensive reinforcements returning and attacking uncertainty persisting, Chelsea are likely to set up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.

Predicted XI: Sánchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.