'It's too early' for Chelsea title talks, insists Maresca

Enzo Maresca insisted that "it's too early" for Chelsea to be thinking about the Premier League title race.

The Blues, who are currently second in the league, could move within three points of leaders Arsenal when they host the Gunners on Sunday.

Chelsea have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Arsenal (D3 L7) and are winless in seven (D2 L5) since a 2-0 win at the Emirates in August 2021.

However, Chelsea have been boosted by the return of Cole Palmer, who was declared fit to start by Maresca on Friday.

The Italian coach believes Chelsea can be included in the title race if they maintain their position in February, but for now, they are just focused on Mikel Arteta's team. 

"It's too early in any case if we win or don't win [against Arsenal]," said Maresca. "It's November, there's five or six months to go.

"It's important where we are [in the table] in February and March, and we'll see if we can achieve something important.

"It's another big game. We finished the one against Barca with a good feeling. If it's bigger than the last one, I don't know. For me, they're all important.

"It's a nice feeling, but it's three points. Then we have Leeds, which is three points in the same way."

The Opta supercomputer has given the Blues a 4.9% chance of winning the Premier League this season, a total only bettered by Manchester City (9.8%) and Arsenal (80.6%). 

Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice have made plenty of headlines before the London derby, with the two midfielders both receiving Ballon d'Or shouts.

Maresca praised both players, but believes their battle will not define the outcome of Sunday's match.

"The Premier League is full of good players, very good midfielders," Maresca added. "Moi, Declan, [Bruno] Guimaraes, Rodri. Full of very good midfielders.

"It's a big part of the game but it's not the only one. It's 11 v 11. It's just one part of the picture."