Arsenal vs Chelsea preview: Old rivals meet in unfamiliar positions

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Emirates

(2016 Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Cesc Fabregas: After initially impressing for Chelsea, Cesc Fabregas’ Chelsea career has seemingly gone dormant. The ex-Arsenal man, however, did show signs of life against Sunderland last week, and will need to do that again at a ground he once called home. After a fairly poor season Fabregas will need to be at his best to help his new team, beat the club that introduced him to English football.

Best stat…

6 – If Arsenal fail to score against Chelsea, it will equal their longest run without a goal versus any opponent in Premier League history (six matches vs Liverpool from 1997-2000).

Remember when…

Chelsea held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates last April, all but confirming they had won the title. How things are different now...

Player to watch…

Nacho Monreal: The Spanish full back has recently signed a new deal at Arsenal and deservedly so. In a season where Arsenal have suffered their usual injury crisis, Monreal has been a steady and excellent performer. He is arguably one of the best full back in the league, and will be crucial in keeping the rejuvenated Chelsea side from scoring.

Past three-meetings…

Chelsea 2 (Zouma, Chambers O.G) Arsenal 0, Premier League, September 2015

Arsenal 1 (Oxlade-Chmaberlain) Chelsea 0, Community Shield, August 2015

Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0, Premier League, April 2015

Form guide…

Arsenal: WLWWDD

Chelsea: WDDWDD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 4.00PM

TV: Live on Sky Sports, highlights on BBC1