There are many different storylines to go along with this fixture this time around. The reintroduction of Cesc Fabregas in the Premier League in blue, the Mourinho vs Wenger war of words last season, the new strike force that both teams possess in Diego Costa and Danny Welbeck and the brilliant unbeaten starts by both teams that could end for one this week.

All of these factors culminate this weekend when two heavyweights of the Premier League fight it out for supremacy.

This clash is much more than just 3 points up for grabs.

For Chelsea, it is a game that will solidify their spot at the top of the Premier league if they come out on top. For Arsenal, it is a game that kick starts their campaign if they come out victorious.

On paper, it would seem as if Arsenal have no chance of winning. Arsenal haven’t beaten a Mourinho managed side in 11 attempts and they have only won twice at Stamford Bridge in the last 10 years. The last victory, consisting of a Robin van Persie hat trick, ended in a memorable 3-5 win.

History is not on Arsenal’s side but quotes from Arsene Wenger may give the Gunners a reason for quiet optimism:

“I don’t deny that the history is against us with Chelsea,” Wenger said. “The thing about top teams is that they make history and they change history.”

Team News

The good news for Arsenal is that everyone who played in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray is fit and available. Nacho Monreal could also be available after recovering from a back problem.

Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are out due to the injuries they sustained in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham but Jack Wilshere, who was a doubt previously, is in contention. Abou Diaby could be a doubt because of a hip problem.

For Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry, it is still too early. They could be in contention after the international break. French duo Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud remain long term absentees.

Expected Line up

Wojciech Szczesny, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Flamini, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck.

Final Thoughts

Arsenal haven’t well and truly kicked off this season. A late winner against Crystal Palace on the opening day and a 0-3 victory against Aston Villa have been the only wins for the Gunners in the Premier League so far.

They have dug in deep for draws against Everton and Manchester City but none of these performances showed us what Arsenal are truly capable of.

A look at last season’s sumptuous wins against Napoli and Norwich at home truly show that Arsenal have it in them to kick it up a level.

Let’s hope that Arsene is right and they change their history for the better starting against Chelsea.

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