Chelsea Assistant Manager Ray Wilkins Expects No Favours From Arsenal Ahead Of Weekend Clash At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins is under no illusions about the challenge the Blues will face when they welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The Gunners lost to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League last weekend, before winning at Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League.

Wilkins expects Arsene Wenger's side to want to get back to domestic winning ways as quickly as possible.

"This game comes on the back of a victory for both sides in Europe," he told reporters.

"We enjoy these games and the players enjoy them immensely.

"It was an incredible weekend and we felt we were quite fortunate to be three points in front at the end of it.

"But you have to give credit to teams like West Brom and Bolton. These teams fight for everything."

Chelsea go into the game under something of a shadow, following the death this week of Carlo Ancelotti's father Giuseppe.

Ancelotti expects to be back in the dugout for Sunday's game, but the squad has been affected by the sad news.

"It is obviously extremely unpleasant," Wilkins added.

"The players were down yesterday and they were saddened by the news. So [Thursday's] session was not as bright as it should have been.

"But Carlo is back on Saturday. He will join us in the hotel on Saturday night and will be on the touchline on Sunday."