Wenger will end Jose jinx

It certainly surprises me that Jose Mourinho is unbeaten against Arsene Wenger in nine meetings (five wins and four draws).

Arsenal have been a good side over the last decade.

Yes, they've never been as good as the "Invincibles" from the 2003-04 season, but you would expect Wenger to trump The Special One at least once.

Looking at the record, experts would be tempted to say that Mourinho has always had Arsenal figured out for Tuesday morning's (Singapore time) match.

But if you ask me, Wenger will finally get his first long-overdue win over the Portuguese.

Arsenal looked tired in their last three matches against Everton (1-1), Napoli (lost 2-0) and Manchester City (lost 6-3).

Fatigue is creeping into their side, which comes as little surprise considering how they've been on first gear since the start of the season.

The Gunners have not really had a game in which they could relax of late; not even in the Champions League.

But Arsenal have had a week-long rest for this London derby.

The Blues, on the other hand, had to endure a long, midweek journey to Sunderland, where they lost in the League Cup quarter-finals in extra-time.

I have to say I don't like the shape of this Chelsea side.

Blues' Blues

Their goalkeeper, Petr Cech, is not the same player as before, Gary Cahill isn't the best centre half at the moment, and even the ever-reliable Ramires hasn't been special this season.

Aside from Eden Hazard, no player has been consistent enough.

The newspapers in England have addressed the need for Chelsea to get a top striker in January - if they are to win the EPL title.

I don't think they will win the title whether or not they bring in a top forward, because it's not just the strikers' department that needs a boost.

Chelsea are third in the league because of their strong mentality rather than quality.

They are resilient, and they stay in the game right to the end. They have not been special, otherwise.

Arsenal will miss suspended midfielder Jack Wilshere for this match, but I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Wilshere has been playing out of position - on the right side - in the last three matches, and he has been quite ineffective.

If he doesn't play in the middle, then I don't think he should be in the side at all.

To beat Chelsea at the Emirates, Arsenal must get their flowing passing game going early, which I reckon they will because they have had a week's rest.

But win or lose, Arsenal are still title contenders.

If a team lead the league standings after 16 games, you have to say they are in the running.

My money's on them to beat Chelsea and consolidate top spot.

Dietmar Hamann has played for Bayern Munich, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City. He won the Bundesliga in 1994 and 1997, and the treble of the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup with the Reds in 2001. He also won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005. The ex-German international also wrote the book The Didi Man: My Love Affair With Liverpool.

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