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ENZO MARESCA'S PLAN: PREDICTED CHELSEA XI TO CUT ARSENAL'S LEAD

Chelsea hosts Arsenal, looking to close the gap on the leaders. Maresca must choose between rotation and sticking with the winning Barca XI, with Palmer fit.

Enzo Maresca's Plan: Predicted Chelsea XI to Cut Arsenal's Lead
Will Maresca Risk Palmer in Chelsea's Title Chase?

Chelsea faces a big challenge with games against Barcelona and Arsenal at home. Fresh off a 3-0 win against Barcelona, Enzo Maresca's team has a chance to get within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal if they win this Sunday.

After Tuesday's strong showing, will Maresca stick with a similar lineup against their London rivals, or will he rotate players as he often does?

Here's a possible Chelsea lineup:

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez has been playing well this season. He wasn't tested much against Barcelona, but he used his feet well to start attacks from the back.

Reece James

James played in midfield against Barca, but Maresca might use him at right-back today. James has played well wherever he's been put this season, and Chelsea needs another strong game from him.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana's recent performances might be underrated. He's looked close to his best. If he's fit, he should start again.

Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah is Maresca's main guy at centre-back. It's a big change for Chalobah, who was training with the Under-21s last season as the club looked to sell him. Now, he's one of the first players on the team sheet.

Marc Cucurella

Cucurella played great on Tuesday, stopping Lamine Yamal. Today, he faces another tough test against Bukayo Saka.

Moises Caicedo

Everyone's talking about 'Moises Caicedo vs. Declan Rice.' Caicedo is likely more focused on helping Chelsea get the win. If he plays great, Chelsea has a better chance.

Enzo Fernández

Fernandez might play a bit deeper today. But he'll still be able to make his usual runs into the box. Arsenal's midfield needs to watch him closely.

Pedro Neto

Neto started as the main striker against Barcelona, but might play on the right wing today. Maresca has been careful with Estevao Willian, despite his talent, and might hold him back again.

Cole Palmer

The big news is that Palmer is fit to play. Maresca said he could even start if needed. It's a risk, but Chelsea might need some magic from Palmer's left foot to break down Arsenal's tough defence.

Alejandro Garnacho

Many were surprised he didn't start against Barcelona, but Garnacho could be in the lineup today. Maresca is trusting him more with each game. He'll need to help Cucurella against Arsenal.

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro didn't play against Barcelona but could return today. Liam Delap scored his first goal of the season on Tuesday, so he could start. But Maresca might go with Joao Pedro, who has been in good form in the Premier League.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

ARSENAL SHOWDOWN: PEDRO NETO ISSUES BOLD TROPHY WARNING AHEAD OF NORTH LONDON DERBY

From Maresca to Rosenior: Explore how Chelsea climbed to 6th and why Pedro Neto is convinced silverware is coming this season.

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Pedro Neto Declares Chelsea "Will Win Trophies" Under New Boss Liam Rosenior

Pedro Neto isn’t hiding his ambition at Chelsea under new boss Liam Rosenior. The Portuguese winger has set the bar high for himself and the team; he’s convinced they can do something special now that Rosenior’s at the helm. Rosenior’s start at Stamford Bridge has definitely caught people’s attention, and Neto wants to keep that momentum rolling.

When Rosenior landed the job earlier this year, not everyone was on board. Swapping out the well-liked Enzo Maresca for a coach from another BlueCo club got some people talking. But Rosenior has answered his doubters, stringing together some solid results that show he belongs in the Premier League.

Since taking charge in January, Rosenior has led Chelsea through 12 matches. The results? Eight wins, two draws, two losses. He’s also made an impact on players like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, helping them rediscover their scoring touch.

Right now, Chelsea sits sixth in the table, just three points behind Liverpool and Manchester United. Along with Aston Villa, these four teams are fighting for three Champions League spots. Chelsea still has ground to make up, so they need to keep their strong run going over the final 11 games.

This weekend brings another big test as Chelsea head to north London to face Arsenal. Rosenior’s two defeats so far have both come against Mikel Arteta’s side in the Carabao Cup semi-final, so this Premier League meeting is set to be his toughest challenge yet.

Even with Arsenal looming, Neto isn’t backing down. He wants Chelsea to finish the season on a high note and, with Rosenior, believes they can make it happen. Neto’s even got his eye on picking up some silverware before the summer.

Talking to Chelsea’s media team, Neto spelt out his goals: he’s aiming to improve on last year and push for everything possible with both club and country. “The club aims to win as many trophies as possible,” he said. “We’re still in the FA Cup and the Champions League. The league title’s a bit out of reach, but getting into the Champions League is a must. We know what we want: to win trophies. That’s how we want to end the season.”

Neto’s already tasted success since moving from Wolves, picking up the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea. That’s why he came to win. But he admits the job isn’t done yet. “I joined this club to win, as we did in my first season. That was incredible. This year, there’s still a long way to go and plenty to fight for. Expectations are high. At a club like Chelsea, that comes with even more responsibility.”

On Sunday, Arsenal will be waiting, riding high after thrashing Tottenham 4-1 last weekend. The Gunners are pushing hard for their first league title since 2004, and Viktor Gyokeres is in great form; he scored against Chelsea in the League Cup and will be looking to add to his tally. It’s a huge test for Rosenior and his squad, but Neto and Chelsea are determined to rise to the challenge.

FRIGHTENING POTENTIAL? WHAT LIAM ROSENIOR REALLY THINKS ABOUT MIKE PENDERS’ FUTURE AT CHELSEA

Chelsea's goalkeeper shock: Get the stats on Penders’ record-breaking distribution and Rosenior’s 2026 starting XI plans

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Robert Sanchez And Filip Jorgensen Face Fight For Future As Penders Returns

New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is already eyeing one of his old Strasbourg players as he plans his squad for next season.

Chelsea and Strasbourg have gotten pretty close lately since they’re both part of the BlueCo group. That connection only grew after Rosenior took over at Chelsea this winter, having spent a year and a half in charge of the French side.

It’s common for managers to bring familiar faces with them, and with the tight relationship between the clubs, moving a player from Strasbourg to Chelsea shouldn’t be complicated.

Rosenior’s already made moves; he brought Mamadou Sarr back from his loan at Chelsea during the January transfer window. He’ll also get to work with striker Emanuel Emegha again next season, since that transfer was wrapped up last summer. But now, Rosenior reportedly has his eyes on another Strasbourg player.

Mike Penders stands out at Strasbourg.

French outlet L’Equipe reports that Rosenior is keeping a close watch on goalkeeper Mike Penders.

Penders, just 20, is on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea. He’s the team’s first-choice keeper and is having a standout season: 33 appearances, 39 goals allowed, and nine clean sheets.

The real change? His distribution. Under Rosenior, Penders has become almost like an extra outfield player. L’Equipe points out that no one in Ligue 1 touches the ball more in open play; he averages 43 touches a match. He also completes more passes than any other goalkeeper, with 31.8 per game. That’s well ahead of Paris FC’s Obed Nkambadio, who’s second with 24.9.

Rosenior’s plan for Penders at Chelsea

Rosenior wants a goalkeeper like Penders at Chelsea. Back at Strasbourg, he didn’t hide his admiration: “He’s 20, he’s two metres tall, he makes superb saves. He’s got authority in the box, and his distribution is exceptional. His potential is almost frightening, but he needs to stay humble.”

With Penders set to return to London when his loan ends this summer, he could well become Chelsea’s new first-choice keeper.

Honestly, it makes sense. Chelsea have been searching for a new goalkeeper for months; they even tried to sign Mike Maignan not long ago. But according to L’Equipe, Rosenior is ready to count on Penders next season. 

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