Arsenal versus Chelsea is the biggest rivalry in the city of London, with 18 Premier League titles between the sides, Arsenal dominating the count 13 to five.
But when it comes to recent history, Chelsea have had the upper hand, with the Gunners not winning a league match against the crosstown rivals since October 2011.
Shockingly, January 2013 was the last time when Arsenal scored a Premier League goal against Chelsea. Even during last season’s horror show, Chelsea still beat Arsenal – twice – without conceding a goal.
Still, the Gunners come in as favourites, having won four out of five games in all competitions this season, and losing none. For their part, Chelsea started the season with three consecutive league victories, but have won just one game out of last three – in which they needed extra time to see off Leicester in the League Cup.
Arsenal are expected to dominate possession and create chances, but their big-game mentality is the question as usual. Can their players finally shake the hoodoo?
Team news
Arsene Wenger may continue to play Alexis Sanchez as a centre forward, and while Olivier Giroud is not 100 per cent, a good midweek performance by Lucas Perez may give the boss something to think about. Granit Xhaka, who has scored two top goals in last two games, is also knocking on the door.
For Chelsea, captain John Terry is said to be fit. Chelsea have lacked a creative force in the middle of the park this season, so a sensational display in the League Cup by Cesc Fabregas means he will face his ex-employers.
The London derby will be the test of both sides’ title credentials, and a win will give confidence for a strong title challenge.
Aneesh Chandoke
Roar Pro
But in the Premier League, the biggest London derby is Arsenal v Chelsea. Spurs are irrelevant ;)
Aneesh Chandoke
Roar Pro
yes danwain Roar have edited it. I sent 4 out of last 5 games. the word 'last' is edited. I dont knw why.
AZ_RBB
Guest
It's a damn shame this game is at 2:30. This is the best rivalry in the premier league. It's one of the very few rivalries where you can really sense the hatred. And the hatred exists on so many levels. The biggest factor is that Chelsea rose when Arsenal were at their glorious peak and took their title. Ever since Chelsea have gone on to win more titles in England and Europe while Arsenal have struggled. Then there's on again off again war between Wenger and Mourinho. That's gone now but it left it's mark on this great London rivalry. Then there's the contrast in philosophy. Arsenal with their history of strength in the league and Chelsea with their new rich owner. Arsenal have their tiki taka flamboyant game. Chelsea the utilitarian win at all costs approach. Arsenal have the reputation of choir boys in the league. Chelsea have..... they have Costa. Arsenal made Fabregas. Chelsea have Fabregas. And that's really only half of it. Might need to watch this on demand on Sunday morning at a more humane hour.
danwain
Guest
Oh and also Arsenal lost their first game of the season against Liverpool, might want to edit that out also.
danwain
Guest
Yeah sorry mate but the biggest rivalry in London is Spurs and Arsenal, Chelsea were mostly irrelevant until the petro dollars came into play. I doubt Arsenals ability to win this game, feel its more mental now though, if they can take an early lead they just might go on with it.
AZ_RBB
Guest
It's a damn shame this game is at 2:30. This is the best rivalry in the premier league. It's one of the very few rivalries where you can really sense the hatred. And the hatred exists on so many levels. The biggest factor is that Chelsea rose when Arsenal were at their glorious peak and took their title. Ever since Chelsea have gone on to win more titles in England and Europe while Arsenal have struggled. Then there's on again off again war between Wenger and Mourinho. That's gone now but it left it's mark on this great London rivalry. Then there's the contrast in philosophy. Arsenal with their history of strength in the league and Chelsea with their new rich owner. Arsenal have their tiki taka flamboyant game. Chelsea the utilitarian win at all costs approach. Arsenal have the reputation of choir boys in the league. Chelsea have..... they have Costa. Arsenal made Fabregas. Chelsea have Fabregas. Might need to watch this on demand on Sunday morning at a more humane hour.
Matthew Russell
Roar Pro
Going to be a great game and the fans of the winning team will be very optimistic for the rest of the season. Having said that its very early. I will pick up on your first line..... for any Arsenal fan the biggest rivalry is verse Tottenham not Chelsea