Chelsea vs Arsenal. Premier League.
Stamford BridgeAttendance41,584.
Saturday 19 September 2015 12:55, UK
Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger renew their rivalry on Saturday as Arsenal make the trip across London to face Chelsea.
Wenger has notoriously struggled against Mourinho, winning just one of the last 14 meetings between teams managed by the pair and that came in the Community Shield clash earlier this season at Wembley.
The reluctance of the two managers to shake hands following that 1-0 was the latest evidence of the frosty feeling between the pair and they both head into this weekend with the pressure mounting.
Defending champions Chelsea have made a stuttering start to their title defence, picking up just four points from five games, including suffering defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton while Arsenal have gone four games unbeaten in the league - but suffered a dismal Champions League defeat against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
It's possible that Chelsea could end up bottom of the Premier League if Arsenal are victorious and other results go a certain way.
Team news
Chelsea will be without Willian for the lunchtime kick-off.
The Brazilian picked up a hamstring strain in Chelsea's win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Striker Radamel Falcao, playmaker Oscar (both knee) and Pedro (thigh) could be available, but are doubtful.
Petr Cech is expected to return for Arsenal against his former club having been rested for the midweek defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
Per Mertesacker hopes to feature after a four-match absence due to an illness.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten against Arsenal in their last seven Barclays Premier League encounters (W4 D3).
The Gunners have failed to score in their last four Premier League matches against the Blues and have managed just two goals in their last seven league games against them.
Eden Hazard has scored in the Blues' last two PL clashes with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, with both goals coming in the first half from the penalty spot.
Jose Mourinho has never lost successive league home games as a manager.
Theo Walcott has scored 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League starts for Arsenal.
The Gunners have won seven and lost none of their last eight Premier League away matches.
Merson's prediction
I have to go with Chelsea. Their record against Arsenal is fantastic, they just don't lose to them. I know Arsenal won in the Community Shield, but that was a bigger game for Arsenal than it was for Chelsea.
Chelsea made changes in the Champions League, but they had a home game. Arsenal got it horribly wrong. Playing away you cannot make six changes. It was very naive of Arsene Wenger. You have to get off to a positive start, especially with Bayern Munich in the group.
After what happened in midweek, it has swung all the pressure onto Arsenal, not Chelsea.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)
Betting
Chelsea are Sky Bet's 11/8 favourites to maintain their Premier League domination over 15/8 shots Arsenal, with the draw available at 5/2. The ante-post title favourites have slumped to 14/1 shots to retain their crown after three defeats in their opening five matches. Mourinho's men are unbeaten in their last five in the league against the Gunners without conceding and are 7/2 to win to nil again. Arsenal did, however, win when the sides met in the Community Shield and are 7/1 shots to sneak a 1-0 victory. Sky Sports football pundit Matt Le Tissier is backing the Blues to win 2-1 at odds of 8/1.
