Capital rivalries resume on Sunday afternoon when Arsenal tackle table-topping Chelsea.
Watch Arsenal v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1 this Sunday
Capital rivalries resume on Sunday afternoon when Arsenal tackle table-topping Chelsea.
Emirates Stadium will provide a fitting backdrop to the final Premier League fixture of the weekend, with fireworks expected in North London when these two old foes go head-to-head.
Chelsea may lead the way at present, but Arsenal have shown enough this season to suggest that they will be there or thereabouts come May.
History dictates that positive results against possible title challengers are the making of a successful side, so both teams will be desperate to come out on top on Sunday.
The Gunners will also be looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Blues towards the end of last season.
Arsene Wenger is also likely to be aware that his side have taken just four wins from their last 19 meetings with main rivals Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Lucky charm
Arsenal's chances of improving that disappointing record could rest on the shoulders of Andrey Arshavin, with the Russian playmaker proving to be something of a lucky charm.
He has started 20 Premier League games since joining the club, winning 14 and losing just one, while the Gunners have lost three of the five matches he has not started.
Chelsea, though, have plenty of talismanic stars of their own, with Didier Drogba arguably the most important.
The Ivorian is coming off the back of a spell on the sidelines, but was eased back into first-team action during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League win in Porto.
He has scored eight goals in his last eight meetings with Arsenal, ensuring that the Blues won seven and drew one of those fixtures.
Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to unleash ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka on his former employers, with the Frenchman in red hot form.
The languid frontman boasts a formidable record against Wenger's men, notching seven goals in his last nine Premier League starts, and will be keen to inflict more damage this time around.
Wenger facing dilemma
Anelka's chances of finding the target once again will be greatly helped by the defensive crisis currently giving Wenger a serious headache.
The Gunners are already set to be without Gael Clichy (back) and Kieran Gibbs (ankle) this weekend, while Swiss centre-half Johan Djourou (knee) is also sidelined.
The biggest worry for Arsenal, though, concerns William Gallas, with the Frenchman suffering eye and ankle knocks during their European encounter with Standard Liege in midweek.
Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Abou Diaby (calf) will be missing in midfield, while Robin van Persie (ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (hernia) are notable absentees up front.
Lampard could feature
Chelsea have no such concerns ahead of the game, having welcomed back their key men in midweek.
Drogba and Michael Ballack both came through the trip to Portugal unscathed, while Deco is also back to full fitness following a recent groin complaint.
Frank Lampard failed to make the Porto game with a thigh problem, but Ancelotti is confident the midfield ace will be ready to face the Gunners.
That means Jose Bosingwa (knee) remains the only long-term absentee for the Blues, with the full-back not expected to be back in action until the New Year.
Possible starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre, Nasri, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Walcott, Eduardo.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Deco, Drogba, Anelka.
