Controlling possession, and with it the ebbs and flows of the game, will be no easy task against an Arsenal side that also like to have the ball. In the build-up to this big London derby, Maresca was asked if it was realistic to expect his team to execute that strategy against such quality opposition, and at a stadium that we have struggled at in recent years.

‘The intention will be that,’ Maresca replied. ‘Then if we are able or not depends a lot on the opponent.

‘If we plan the game sitting back and waiting, for sure our strikers and wingers will do 20 sprints of 60/70 metres, but when you play your game in the opposite side, there is no space to do that sprint.

‘So our plan is to control the game but they will try to press high, be aggressive, and we will probably have more space to attack in behind.’

Both Chelsea and Arsenal come into the game without a fit recognised centre-forward. The good news is that Maresca expects to have Nicolas Jackson available again after the international break, but until then he – like Mikel Arteta – continues to have to come up with alternate options.

‘It’s quite strange for both of us because all of them are injured,’ acknowledged Maresca of the situation he and Arteta find themselves in.

‘They are trying to find solutions and we are trying to find solutions. Pedro [Neto] since we started [using him in that role] is doing very well and we will see on Sunday if we use Pedro there or change something. We will see.

‘As I said, all clubs during the season will have injuries so you need adapt, be flexible and find solutions.’