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Chelsea welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Stamford Bridge with momentum on their side after a run of strong results. Fans will watch to see if Enzo Maresca’s side can close the gap and snap a frustrating winless streak in this London derby.
What to expect on the pitch: form, stakes and recent results
Chelsea arrive having turned in a string of positive performances. A league win at Burnley and a convincing Champions League victory gave the squad belief.
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The Blues sit close to the top of the table and will view Sunday as a chance to apply pressure to the leaders. Yet recent history in this fixture is a concern. Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in their last seven meetings.
Projected Chelsea starting XI and tactics
Enzo Maresca is likely to set his team up in a compact 4-2-3-1 shape that balances defensive solidity with attacking freedom.
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Back four: Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella
- Double pivot: James, Caicedo
- Attacking trio: Estevao, Fernandez, Garnacho
- Centre-forward: Joao Pedro
Squad rotation is a possibility given recent fixtures. Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is back in training, though a bench appearance seems most likely.
Attacking options and manager decisions
- Cole Palmer has recovered from a groin problem and a later fractured toe. He may be eased in from the bench.
- Estevao impressed midweek and looks set to keep his place.
- Neto started centrally against Barcelona, but Joao Pedro remains a conventional choice up front.
Injury list: who is out and when they might return
Below is the current availability report for Chelsea players who are sidelined or suspended.
Romeo Lavia
- Issue: Thigh muscle problem
- Estimated return: December 2025
Lavia continues rehabilitation after a muscle setback. The club are cautious and target a December comeback as the earliest scenario.
Dario Essugo
- Issue: Thigh injury carried into his Chelsea spell
- Estimated return: Late December 2025 or early 2026
Essugo arrived with a niggle and has yet to be fully cleared. Timelines remain tentative and reports suggest a lengthy recovery.
Levi Colwill
- Issue: ACL tear
- Estimated return: June 2026
Colwill suffered a serious knee injury in preseason and faces a long rehabilitation period. He will miss the remainder of the current campaign.
Mykhailo Mudryk
- Issue: Suspension following a doping violation
- Estimated return: Unknown
Mudryk has been unavailable since December 2024 after failing a drug test. No return date has been confirmed.
Match logistics: date, kickoff and officiating
- Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
- Kickoff: 16:30 local / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT / 02:30 AEDT (Dec 1)
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: John Brooks
Related Chelsea updates and further reading
- Jamie Gittens on the impact of his first goal for the club
- Chelsea reportedly leading the chase for a top Serie A prospect
