\n First in the Premier League, leading the way in the Champions League and at least three points clear in both \u2013 Arsenal have proved to be a quality opposition this season, but Enzo Maresca believes his Chelsea side are ready for the challenge.
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The Gunners have been living up to their pre-season tag as genuine contenders for silverware this campaign, proving particularly lethal from set-pieces and leading the Premier League in goals from dead-ball situations. Having already swept aside the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in Europe, our head coach is fully aware of their strengths and the threat they pose ahead of our meeting at the Bridge.<\/p>\n
Maresca feels that Sunday\u2019s opponents deserve real credit for their defensive work as well, pointing to an ever-reliable back line as giving them a platform to succeed with teams from across the continent struggling to break them down.<\/p>\n
However, the Blues head coach knows his side’s own merits and ability, and with Chelsea having comprehensively beaten Barcelona in midweek in the Champions League, he has backed his side to cause our London rivals problems come Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
\u2018For sure, Arsenal defend fantastically,\u2019 Maresca explained, speaking during his pre-match press conference.<\/p>\n
\u2018Any team against them struggles to score goals. Not only to score goals but to create chances. So as a team, they defend very well, and they have weapons when they attack.<\/p>\n
\u2018And they\u2019re not just [a threat from set-pieces] against one or two teams, they score goals from set-pieces against any team. Against Bayern Munich, they scored their first goal from a corner. They score goals against any team, they have a system in place that works very well, and we will do our best to stop them.\u2019<\/p>\n
One part of the pitch that will see a plethora of action will be the middle of the park, as two of the most in-form midfielders in world football are set to go head-to-head, if selected of course, in Moises Caicedo<\/a> and Declan Rice. Maresca knows it will be a contested area, with plenty of eyes on the midfield battle, but he insists it’s only one part of the bigger gameplan.<\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a big part of the match, but it\u2019s only one,\u2019 he added. \u2018It\u2019s 11 versus 11, and other players will come inside from the bench. So it\u2019s a big picture, but only one part of the picture.<\/p>\n \u2018I think the Premier League is full of good players, very good midfielders. Moi and Declan included, but also Rodri from Man City, [Elliot] Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The league is full of good midfielders.\u2019<\/p>\n Chelsea Foundation will be hosting a ‘Magic of Blue’ collection point at Britannia Gate ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal for supporters to donate gifts.\u00a0All gifts need to be in their original packaging and we are not able to accept food or drink items. Items welcome for donation include:<\/p>\n – Soft cosy blankets
– Unisex warm socks\/Slipper socks (with grip bottoms)
– Gloves\/Mittens\/Hats\/Scarves
– Craft kits\/Puzzles\/Crossword books
– Photo albums\/Notebooks\/2026 diaries and calendars
– Christmas decorations<\/p>\n