The Blues were victorious on the first occasion Maurizio Sarri crossed managerial swords with Unai Emery, edging out a 3-2 win back in August.
Much has happened at both clubs in the intervening period but neither of them are currently in the top three.
SunSport looks at the lie of the land in the red and blue corners of the capital.
Winning over the fans
Initially Emery appeared a much-needed wind of change after more than two decades of Arsene Wenger's rule.
The North London derby win over Spurs was seen as a restoration of the "natural order".
But since then doubts have emerged, with Emery seemingly making some of the same errors as his predecessor.
There is no move for a change, yet, but not everybody is entirely convinced.
The contrast between Arsenal’s previous stability and Chelsea’s chop and change approach could not have been more stark, although it will not just be Stamford Bridge fans who point to the silverware their club have acquired.
"Sarriball" was always going to be a work in progress but the Italian’s faith in Jorginho, and a game which many fans see as being possession for the sake of possession, has shaken the faith of some.
And Chelsea fans are more demanding.
Emery 4 Sarri 3
On course for the top four?
The Gunners’ long unbeaten run through the autumn made a top four slot seem likely, even if they have only finished a match weekend in a Champions League slot on four occasions this season.
More critically, recent wobbles, which have seen Arsenal drop 11 points out of 18, mean they are only above "crisis team" Manchester United on goal difference.
Chelsea were still unbeaten until the last weekend of November and have been in the top four all season, although playing a constant game of leapfrog with Spurs over the past turn months.
Sarri's men go into the game six points clear of the Gunners and knowing a win at the Emirates would deal their rivals a devastating blow.
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How have their new signings fared?
Emery’s decision to bring in Uruguayan pitbull Lucas Torreira was hailed as a masterstroke and filling a void that was allowed to grow ever wider under Wenger.
French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has done well, too.
But Bernd Leno has not entirely convinced in goal, Sokratis has looked less impressive as the season has gone on and many Gunners fans think Stefan Lichtsteiner represents more risk than reward.
Sarri’s relationship with Jorginho remains a talking point among Chelsea fans, with the most dismissive labelling the Italy midfielder the manager’s "adopted son".
Loan signing Mateo Kovacic has also earned mixed reviews although "Kepa the keeper" – £75m Kepa Arrizabalaga – has looked the part.
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Kepa is living up to expectations at Stamford Bridge following Thibaut Courtois' departure
Style of play
Emery wanted to make his mark on the pitch but injuries have undermined defensive confidence and that has affected his side as an attacking unit as well.
Many supporters feel Granit Xhaka should be drummed out of the club and cannot see why Emery has such faith in him.
Arsenal look a better side with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette paired up front although the manager seems reluctant to do that all the time.
As for his relationship with Mesut Ozil…
Pass. Pass. Pass. Pass. As some Blues fans might suggest, Sarri would be a disaster on Mastermind.
There is growing frustration at the number of sideways passes and slow speed at building up play.
Chelsea do not have a Marek Hamsik to inject imagination from the middle of the park and the system has pushed N’Golo Kante out of his favoured role.
Sarri's decision to play Eden Hazard as a false nine, after losing any belief in either Alvaro Morata or Olivier Giroud, has also been perplexing.
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Dressing room atmosphere
The Ozil situation is the elephant in the Arsenal room, all the more so given Emery agreed that the contract offer that was on the table for Aaron Ramsey should have been withdrawn.
Ozil is using social media to make his points, Ramsey has agreed his move to Juventus, and Petr Cech has signalled he is hanging up his gloves. It seems that all is not well.
After the chaos caused by Antonio Conte last season, Sarri's most pressing task was to bring back dressing room harmony and he has done that.
Nobody is moaning about their treatment, even those who are not in the starting side.
We are told by the players that they enjoy life under the manager and that does seem to be the case.
But at Chelsea it is always about results.
Emery 2 Sarri 4
Total: Emery 14 Sarri 18
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