Premier League: Arsenal v Chelsea match preview

A look ahead to Monday night’s Premier League fixture at The Emirates

Juan Mata celebrates scoring in the League Cup fourth round against Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal and Chelsea both have the chance to give their set of fans an early Christmas present, as either side can top the Premier League table with a win and three points.

This will be no easy task for the side situated in north London, as Wenger’s men have never beaten a Mourinho-led Chelsea, starting back in 2004, when ‘The Special One’ was appointed at Stamford Bridge for his first stint at the club. The Blues have won five and drawn four against Arsenal under the Portuguese manager.

Arsenal will have to do without Jack Wilshere in midfield, as he begins his two-match ban after a spout of indiscretion shown to fans in the game against Manchester City last weekend, but they will hope to have Laurent Koscielny fit to play, after he sustained a nasty gash in the game at the Etihad.

Neither side come into this match in great form, as Arsenal were the subject of a 6-3 demolition by Manchester City in their game prior to this one. Chelsea were also dealt a confidence-thrashing blow in midweek as they were eliminated from the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup in extra-time.

However, both sides have been given plenty of recovery time in preparation for a Monday night game which is billed to be a Christmas cracker.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2 (Azpilicueta, Mata), Capital One Cup, October 2013.

Chelsea 2 (Mata, Lampard (pen)) Arsenal 1 (Walcott), Premier League, January 2013.

Arsenal 1 (Gervinho) Chelsea 2 (Torres, Mata), Premier League, September 2012.

HEAD TO HEAD:

Arsenal wins: 71

Draws: 52

Chelsea wins: 57

STATS:

Arsenal:

Arsenal have scored first in their last 10 home matches.

The Gunners have conceded as many goals in their last 2 Premier League games (7) as they had in the previous 13.

Arsenal have not gone three Premier League fixtures without a win since January 2013; the third of those games was against Chelsea.

Chelsea:

Chelsea have scored at least twice in each of their last six Premier League games (16 goals in total).

Jose Mourinho has never lost against Arsene Wenger as an opposition manager. (W5 D4 L0)

Juan Mata has scored in each of his four starts against Arsenal in all competitions for Chelsea.

ODDS:

Arsenal to win: 2.25

Draw: 3.25

Chelsea to win: 3.2

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, Live Monday Night Football at 7pm.