- Chelsea has started the season positively under Enzo Maresca
- They face a big test against title contenders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Chelsea face a big test of their development under Enzo Maresca when they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
The two teams go into the match having both collected 18 points from their opening ten league games, leaving them seven behind leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal have finished second to Manchester City in each of the past two seasons and are expected to challenge for the title again this season, but is Chelsea in the mix?
It all starts! co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton discussed whether Chelsea can be considered genuine title contenders in the final episode of the podcast ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Ladyman pointed out that Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League could help their cause as Maresca has been able to rotate their squad in the Europa Conference League.
But Sutton was less convinced of his former club’s qualities and admitted he was ‘a little disappointed’ that Maresca seemed happy with a point as Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend.
The ex-Premier League striker felt the game was there for the taking at Old Trafford, but the Blues squandered their chance. They will get another chance against a big rival on Sunday as Maresca’s team look to consolidate their place in the top four before potentially setting their sights on bridging the gap with Liverpool.