Branislav Ivanovic is set to return to the Chelsea line-up for this evening’s top of the table clash with Arsenal.

Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to switch to left back, with Ashley Cole dropping to the bench while Michael Essien will miss the game after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the League Cup quarter final defeat to Sunderland last Tuesday evening.

Victory for the Blues will see them leapfrog the Gunners, while only an unlikely win by seven or more goals will see them finish the evening in first place.

Jose Mourinho’s men follow this evening’s game with home fixtures against Swansea City and Liverpool before travelling to Southampton on New Year’s Day.

Manchester City are currently favourites to reclaim the Premier League title, with Chelsea second favourites and Arsenal third.

Meanwhile, the club have been alerted to reports that Porto striker Jackson Martinez has failed to agree a new deal.

Mourinho has been linked with a move for a new striker in recent weeks as his current front line continue to misfire, with Martinez one of a number of names linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Colombia international has 47 goals in 65 games since moving to Porto last year.