Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is facing a number of big decisions for this weekend’s Premier League clash at home to Arsenal. The Blues have a great opportunity to make a statement with Mikel Arteta’s side in a tough spell that has seen them unable to find the back of the net in three of their last four away games.

Following their draw away at Manchester United and the Gunners’ defeat to Newcastle, the two London clubs both sit on 18 points in the Premier League table, though Chelsea have a superior goal difference. A third straight home victory in all competitions could take Maresca’s side up to third if other results go their way.

Just over seven days on from being knocked out of the Carabao Cup, Chelsea’s fringe players put in a controlling performance on Thursday evening to beat Armenian outfit Noah 8-0 in the Conference League. Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku were among the scorers, with all three pushing for a spot in the first XI.

As doubt surrounds Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho’s availability for Arsenal, all three attackers will be vying for a prominent role on Sunday. If Palmer cannot overcome a knee injury, Nkunku appears in line to make his first Premier League start in months, especially as he was replaced with 11 minutes to play while the other two remained on.

Alternatively, given the task that awaits, Maresca could opt for a more defensive approach like he did with the visit of Manchester City on the opening day of the season. As such, Enzo Fernandez could be deployed alongside Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

The Argentine would not only provide extra security in midfield but, as evidenced against Noah, is also capable of contributing in the attacking third. In the first half, Fernandez picked up three assists as the Blues raced into a 6-0 lead, though he was replaced at the interval.

When asked if it was because of injury, Maresca said: “He’s okay. It was just a technical decision. No more than that, he is okay.” Given the game was wrapped up by that point, it is entirely possible Fernandez was rested with Maresca having one eye on giving him significant minutes this weekend.

If Palmer is deemed unavailable, replacing him with Fernandez, while certainly unexpected, is certainly an option on the table for the Chelsea boss. Going forward, against certain teams, Maresca may begin to favour Fernandez, given how impressive Caicedo has been in the deep-lying role.

Being able to play alongside the Ecuador international and in a more advanced role would make Fernandez very valuable to Maresca and he could therefore find himself in the starting XI, at the expense of Lavia, on a more consistent basis.

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