Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte acknowledged that Saturday's clash with Arsenal will be a "special" game for Cesc Fabregas but did not confirm whether the Spaniard would make the starting XI.  

Per the Mirror's Jack Rathborn, he said:

"

I think that for Cesc, it is a special game for him. The most important thing for Cesc is that he is Chelsea’s player. He’s playing very well.

I am seeing him very focused and concentrated during the training sessions. He played a good game in the cup.

There is a possibility that he can start tomorrow in the line-up. I have another day to make the decision.

"

The midfielder scored twice and provided an assist for the Blues against Leicester City on Tuesday in just his second start of the season.

Fabregas joined Arsenal at the age of 16 and spent eight years there before returning to boyhood club Barcelona.

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Following his brace against the Foxes, he has spoken of his desire to break back into the side and the significance of the Arsenal match.

Conte is also well aware of the rivalry between the two clubs and Chelsea's need to bounce back after defeat in their last Premier League outing:

"

It’s important to play a good game, especially after Liverpool. Tomorrow we face a good team, a big rival. I am sure Arsenal will fight until the end to win the title.

It’s a very good team, young players, great technique, good players with good potential and physicality. They play good football.

"

The Blues sit on the same points as Arsenal after five matches, and the Gunners enter the game on the back of three straight league wins.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger celebrated 20 years at the club on Thursday, and Conte had nothing but praise for the Frenchman, per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC:

According to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, he added:

Chelsea have recently enjoyed a one-sided record against the Gunners, who have not beaten them in nine league meetings—the last six of which Arsenal have failed to score in.

Conte believes his side are currently a work-in-progress, though, and he is hoping to see them improve: "We are working to try and improve and reach a level always high. I think this team can improve a lot. It’s normal when you start work in a new team and it’s a new idea, method of football. You need time. I am confident about this. I know that we can improve a lot."

In particular the Italian is hoping his side will improve at the back, but he believes they are a threat going forward:

The Blues' only clean sheet this season came against Burnley, and they've conceded twice in each of their last three matches in all competitions.

Lastly, Conte gave the latest injury news with stalwart John Terry set to miss out and Kurt Zouma receiving an encouraging update as he works his way back to fitness:

Terry's absence will most likely see David Luiz continue at the back despite a poor defensive display against Leicester.

Arsenal are starting to build some momentum and come into the game in better shape than Chelsea, but it will nevertheless be a significant test of their mettle.

Diego Costa has racked up five goals for the Blues in their first five league matches, and he's haunted the Gunners in the past—he may well do so again.