Liverpool replaced Arsene Wenger's men as league leaders on Saturday courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City, while Manchester City climbed into second by beating Fulham 4-2. Arsenal can move back to the summit with victory over Jose Mourinho's men, but defeat would drop them to fourth with Chelsea moving level on points with Liverpool.
Having failed to win any of the previous four meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, Arsenal will be well aware of the threat posed by their London rivals. Last season's two league clashes ended 2-1 in favour of the men from Stamford Bridge, who also won a Capital One Cup fourth-round meeting at the Emirates Stadium 2-0 this campaign.