LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Are Chelsea in the title race? It’s time we asked the question

Chelsea face a major test of their development under Enzo Maresca when they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The two teams enter the match having both picked up 18 points from their opening 10 league games, leaving them seven adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal have finished second behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons, and are expected to challenge for the title again this term, but are Chelsea also in the mix?

It’s All Kicking Off! co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton discussed whether Chelsea can be considered genuine title contenders on the latest episode of the podcast ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

Ladyman pointed out that Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League could help their cause, as Maresca has been able to rotate his squad in the Europa Conference League.

But Sutton was less convinced about his former club’s credentials, admitting he was a ‘little bit disappointed’ that Maresca appeared happy with a point when Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend.  

The ex-Premier League striker felt the game was there for the taking at Old Trafford, yet the Blues squandered their opportunity. They will get another chance against a major rival on Sunday, as Maresca’s team bid to cement their place in the top four before potentially setting their sights on bridging the gap to Liverpool.