One of London's biggest fixtures has been dominated in recent years by Didier Drogba's domination of the Gunners' defence. The Ivorian has battered and bruised Arsenal's rearguard with reckless abandon and, as Arsene Wenger has presided over five trophyless seasons, Chelsea's six different managers have picked up two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one Carling Cup.
The shift in power across London was no more evident than last season, when a Drogba-inspired Chelsea hammered Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates and 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on their way to the title. It has been a long time since Wenger boasted a five-year unbeaten streak against the Blues between 1999 and 2004 and, although Nwankwo Kanu's hat-trick to seal a comeback 3-2 win for Arsenal 11 years ago remains an abiding memory of the fixture, more recent history has not been so enjoyable for the Gunners.
Certainly, Chelsea will be smelling blood again. With Arsenal's well-documented injury woes, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Manuel Almunia will all be missing and the inconsistent Lukasz Fabianski called into action between the sticks. As if that wasn't enough cause for concern, the side are short on physical power while the Blues have it in abundance. While Frank Lampard will still be missing as he continues to recover from injury, but Drogba will be back in the side after suspension and a settled defence of Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Alex and Ashley Cole have conceded just two goals so far this season.
Both clubs are coming off the back of league defeats, to Manchester City and West Brom respectively, and it has all the makings of a great game, although Carlo Ancelotti's champions will certainly be favourites.
Chelsea player to watch: Michael Essien
It is no mistake that Chelsea's dominant start to the season has seen Essien start every game for the defending champions. Having managed just 13 starts last season due to a serious knee injury, Essien's return to the side has given more drive to the midfield and the Ghanaian has even popped up with two goals. Arguably one of the best, and most powerful, midfielders in the world game, Essien's form has been a key component of the Blues' 21 goals scored and just two conceded. Likely to be used higher up the pitch than the holding John Obi Mikel again, he will be encouraged to get forward as much as possible and Arsenal will be wary of his shot from distance, after watching him score a 35-yard thunderbolt against them at Stamford Bridge back in 2006.
Arsenal player to watch: Marouane Chamakh
The Moroccan striker was bought by the Gunners to bring strength and power up front and he will be a vital player if his side are to match Chelsea. An agile frontman, Chamakh has shown that he is more than just a battering ram and his pace has won him two penalties since his arrival at the Emirates, when he demonstrated his ability to get beyond the last defender. Two goals in his opening six games is not a bad return, given that he is still getting used to the pace of the Premier League, but a starring performance against the league leaders could make him an instant hero with the Arsenal fans.
Key battle: Didier Drogba v Laurent Koscielny/Sebastien Squillaci
Drogba has been the scourge of Arsenal's backline in recent years, with four goals in the two league meetings last season. His power and pace have caused the Gunners constant problems and it may well be that his bullying of Philippe Senderos a few years back put an end to the Swiss defender's career at the Emirates. Now, with the likes of Kolo Toure and William Gallas gone, Wenger's faith turns to French pair Squillaci and Koscielny. Both are still acclimatising to the English game and have strength and commitment in abundance, but could find a fit and in-form Drogba - who has 12 goals in 12 games against Arsenal - too much to handle.
Source: Jon Carter, ESPN Soccernet on 29 Sep 10
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