Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Arsenal: Mamadou Sarr starts, Fernandez in advanced role
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Chelsea are dealing with a few expected absences involving key players ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that Marc Cucurella and Estevao will not be available for the weekend's trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Similarly, Jamie Gittens, who recently tore his hamstring, will remain sidelined for weeks.
Additionally, Wesley Fofana is serving a one-match suspension following his two yellow cards in the draw against Burnley last week.
There remain questions over Filip Jorgensen's injury situation, too, although his absence is unlikely to make a big difference, since Robert Sanchez is the first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to start.
The decisions on centre-back pairing, on the other hand, would be much more interesting.
Fofana's suspension means Rosenior will have a big decision on who is going to play alongside Trevoh Chalobah.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile have proved inconsistent, and so is teenage centre-back Josh Acheampong.
Mamadou Sarr is an option, but giving him his first Premier League start against the competition leaders is not without risks.
On the right and left sides of the defence, Reece James and Malo Gusto are expected to get the nod.
In midfield, Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo have been the primary choice in recent weeks, allowing Enzo Fernandez to play a more advanced attacking role. This is expected to continue.
Cole Palmer is the obvious choice for the number 10 spot, while Pedro Neto should start on the right flank in Estevao's absence.
Up front, Chelsea will hope Joao Pedro can continue his recent goalscoring record of six goals in his last seven appearances across all competitions.
Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Mamadou Sarr, Malo Gusto
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro
Gerry Crisandy is a freelance writer who has covered Chelsea for many years. His work has been published on The Chelsea Chronicle and Pride of London. He grew up idolising Michael Ballack and is a firm believer in expected goals.