Alex insists Chelsea are no walk-up favourites against Arsenal today.

The Brazilian says their draw with Hull City in midweek is proof enough that anything can happen at Stamford Bridge.

"I prefer to play away against Arsenal," Alex told chelseafc.com. "We play better against them there but now we play at home and we have to win.

"It is different and I think it is the bigger pitch. Stamford Bridge is very tight. Arsenal play the same home and away but for us it is more difficult when we play against a team on a small pitch. I think it means that the first 15 minutes is going to be very important in this game."

As the team prepare to make amends for last season's slip-up in this London derby at the Bridge, and aim to go nine points clear of the Gunners, they are aware they must avoid the same set-piece problems that allowed Hull to take the lead on Tuesday, and Sunderland a consolation goal at the end of our 7-2 home win.

"We have to speak more to each other and mark closer," Alex highlights. "But it is difficult to defend set-pieces against a team like Hull City because they have many tall players. Also the opposition team can make it difficult if the ball is delivered all the time between the defence and the keeper.

"Arsenal may not have as many tall players as Hull but against them we have to stay compact."