Enzo Maresca: Sanchez to start against Arsenal

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will start in the Premier League match against Arsenal next Sunday. The Italian coach also said he hopes there will be no need to change the team’s number one goalkeeper between now and the end of the season.

1. Sanchez returns to the starting line-up: why?

Robert Sánchez was removed from the starting line-up in January after making a mistake against Manchester City, and the substitute goalkeeper, Philipp Jørgensen, started the last four Premier League matches. However, Sánchez regained his chance and performed well in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Leicester City in the previous round.

Maresca explained the decision at Friday’s press conference: ‘Robert will start against Arsenal. From the beginning of the season, my plan was to try not to change goalkeepers, but sometimes we need to be flexible and adapt our strategy.’

‘We need to be flexible in terms of tactics, attack, defence and personnel. I think Robert needed a period of rest, especially mentally. Now he’s back, I hope we won’t change this position again until the end of the season.’

Nonetheless, Maresca is satisfied with both goalkeepers: ‘We are happy with both Robert and Filip. They are both good players.’

2. Chelsea vs. Arsenal: A key duel

Currently, Chelsea is in fourth place in the Premier League with 49 points from 28 games, six points behind second-placed Arsenal. If Chelsea can defeat their London rivals on Sunday, they will significantly narrow the gap with Arsenal.

When asked about the chances of finishing second in the league, Maleska was cautious but ambitious: ‘Arsenal could also increase the gap to nine points. It’s currently six points, and we’re not focusing too much on that.’

‘The most important thing for us is how we play and beat them. If we can do that, we’ll be closer to our goal. Of course, second place could be a goal, but we have to play game by game.’

3. Line-up challenge: injury problems in the forward line

It’s not going to be an easy game for either Chelsea or Arsenal, as both teams face a shortage of strikers. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is out with an injury, while Arsenal are trying to get midfielder Michael Mearino to play up front on a temporary basis.

Maresca admitted that it was an unusual situation, but remained optimistic: ‘It is a difficult situation for both teams. Our strikers are injured, but they are looking for a solution, as are we.’

Pedro Neto has been in excellent form up front for Chelsea this season. Maresca revealed: ’We will see if we continue to use him in that role on Sunday or if there are any other changes.’

‘Every team has difficult periods due to injuries. The key is to adapt and find the best solution.’

4. The Blues’ chance: an important battle to narrow the gap

This is not just an ordinary Premier League clash, but also a great opportunity for Chelsea to narrow the points gap with Arsenal. This pivotal match at the Emirates Stadium will undoubtedly be a major test for Enzo Maresca and his team.

Maresca concluded: ‘Sunday’s game is the most important, and we must give it our all. Then we’ll play game by game and see what kind of result we can achieve.’

Regardless of the outcome, this game will test Chelsea’s resilience and adaptability, while also providing fans with an exciting matchup!