Arsene Wenger: Arsenal v Chelsea is still a big deal

Since his arrival, Cech has claimed the record for Premier League clean sheets and has played a major role in guiding Arsenal to the top of the Barclays Premier League table. “All too often, they play out a cagy 0-0 against big opposition and rue it later in the season”, says the website.

“I can not guarantee, because we’re not dealing with machines, we’re dealing with human beings, but when he is focusing on where he’s good at, around the box, then he’s of big worth”, the Dutchman added.

When asked about Mertesacker being able to unite the dressing room for a championship assault, Frenchman Wenger said: “He’s very important in that”. Although their opponents have been extremely poor this season, Arsenal will know that it will be a tough game and that Chelsea still have a very good team, which beat them earlier in the season.

Arsenal should be helped by the return of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

One player who has struggled to replicate last season’s form is Eden Hazard.

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“We have to see if it’s better to start or come in”.

They have not lost to Arsenal in the league since 2011 and remain unbeaten since Hiddink took over in December.

Cech’s glove manufacturers, Adidas, mistakenly sent a new pair to Cobham, south-west of London, rather than Arsenal’s base at London Colney, north of the capital, on Wednesday, and the goalkeeper – who only left Chelsea in pre-season – turned up in person to collect them.

The thought of lifting the Premier League trophy has excited Sanchez so much that he appears to feel the need to mark such an occasion, and would even consider getting a special commemorative tattoo.

Arsenal entertain Chelsea at home in the Premier League tonight as they look to inflict further misery on Guus Hiddink’s men and reclaim the top spot taken from them by Leicester on Saturday.

Manchester United, buoyed by a 1-0 win at bitter rivals Liverpool that eased the pressure on boss Louis van Gaal, host Southampton as they look to maintain their hopes of a title challenge. Everyone in this club has to be realistic about where we are in points, compared to the relegation zone and Europe.

Played for both – Lassana Diarra: A very highly-rated player, but one who failed to make an impact on the first-team at either of these clubs.

“We’d like a result at the Emirates”. “On the day (at Stamford Bridge) we suffered because I think we were a bit unlucky with the decision of the referee”.

“They are not in this title race but I know the quality of their team”.