Arsenal may have dismantled Chelsea in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium in September, but the Gunners’ 3-0 victory proved a road to Damascus moment for Blues’ boss Antonio Conte. His subsequent switch to a 3-4-3 formation, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso operating as wing-backs, has seen his side beaten just once since and they are currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Second-placed Arsenal are no mugs, of course, but having won just one of their last four away matches in the Premier League, not to mention a shock home defeat by Watford in midweek, this is a make or break fixture for Arsene Wenger’s. Defeat on Saturday would leave the Gunners 12 points behind Chelsea with 14 games – including trips to Stamford Bridge, White Hart Lane and Anfield – left to play and, with Wenger once again banished to the stands, the pressure is all on the away team.

Diego Costa wasn’t at his best against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, including missing a late penalty, but expect the Blues’ top scorer to be back to his snarling best for this crucial tie. For a spot of value, let’s try Chelsea to win 3-2 at 28/1 with bet365.

Selection: Chelsea to win 3-2 (28/1 with bet365)