The Blues begin November’s match schedule with a trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Sunday. After a midweek European assignment against Noah, we welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge before the final international break of the year. The month concludes with games against Leicester and Heidenheim.

Enzo Maresca will need his players at their best if we are to continue our positive start to the campaign. At his media conference today, the head coach assessed our progress so far.

‘I’m very happy because the way we want to play, on and off the ball, is quite clear,' said the head coach.

'In terms of process, we are ahead of my expectations after almost four months, and the results are okay, so we can continue like that.’

One of Chelsea’s key performers so far this term is Nicolas Jackson. Maresca explained what has pleased him about the striker’s displays.

‘I’m very happy, first of all because Nico is helping us not only in terms of numbers, scoring and assisting, he’s also helping us in terms of the way we want to play.

‘The way he links with his teammates, every time he drops he gives us an extra man. Against Newcastle he was dropping and creating many problems. When he attacks in behind, he is quick and can score goals.’

Cole Palmer’s combination play with Jackson has gone from strength to strength. Ahead of the trip back to his home city, and a game against his boyhood club, Maresca confirmed Palmer will return to the starting XI having remained on the bench in midweek.

‘He needs to enjoy his football and when he does that, you can see what he can do,’ explained Maresca.

‘Cole plays well even when he doesn't score because he allows the rest [of the team] to play in the right way. He’s a very important player for us.’

It was a long and testing session at Cobham for the squad with just over 48 hours to go until kick-off at Old Trafford, but the players also found time to enjoy themselves, something Maresca has regularly stressed is an important element of getting the best out of them.

We all hope for smiles as broad as Romeo's come Sunday evening!