Chelsea Can Beat Any Team – Says Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca says in-form Chelsea believe they can “win against any team” as he prepares for Sunday’s match against Arsenal.

Chelsea may have struggled against the Gunners in recent years, but they currently sit above their rivals in the Premier League table ahead of the upcoming clash at Stamford Bridge.

“In this moment the feeling from us is that we can compete and we can win against any team,” said Maresca, whose team hammered Armenian side Noah 8-0 in the Conference League on Thursday.

“If ou don’t take it seriously and if you don’t do the right things, also you can lose against any team.

“But for sure, we have the right feeling that we’re going in the right direction, and hopefully, on Sunday, we can give our fans a good day.”

Maresca said he was expecting a tough test against Mikel Arteta’s team, who have taken just one point from their past three Premier League matches.

“For me, they are the closest one with (Manchester) City. Both, I consider them better than the rest,” he said.

“And the reason why I said many times is because one club has been working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one has been working with the same manager for five years.

“And this is a big, big, big, huge advantage compared to the rest.”

The Italian said he was happy with Chelsea’s progress during his first season in charge.

“The good thing is that we are there, and you cannot see a big difference when we play this kind of game (against a major rival) and this is the most important thing.

“For sure, I don’t doubt if it’s Sunday or it’s the next game, but for sure, we’re going to be there and win this kind of game, no doubt.”

Chelsea currently holds the fourth position in the Premier League table, having secured five wins in their first 10 matches, placing them ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.

This match will mark the first encounter as rivals between Maresca and Arteta, two managers who honed their coaching skills as assistants to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

“Probably we both have to be thankful because we worked beside the one that I consider the best manager in the world,” said the Chelsea manager. “We’ve both been quite lucky to work with Pep.”

Maresca said he hopes to have England international Cole Palmer available for the game on Sunday despite an injury scare.

“Hopefully, we can have him for the (training) session at least Saturday, and then we’ll take a decision,” he said.