Why Arsenal Fans Fear Former Gunner Cesc Fabregas vs. Chelsea

It’s the immutable law of the ex: Across world football, players have an uncanny tendency to make telling contributions against their former clubs. Arsenal fans will be praying that convention is not observed this weekend: A match-winning contribution from Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas would be too much to bear.

Fabregas is not just any ex-player. This is the guy who arrived at Arsenal as a precocious teenager and developed into an iconic captain. He was the boy born in Catalunya but raised in north London. By the time he hit maturity, he was as at home in Barnet as Barcelona.

He had a special bond with the fans. They had watched him grow, as a player and a man. He had a special bond with the manager, too. He was the embodiment of Arsene Wenger’s footballing philosophy: young, fearless and blessed with the vision to play a brand of beautiful football.

He became the symbol of a generation. When Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium, Fabregas was anointed as the leader of a talented young generation. Although his team lacked the experience to deliver silverware, his individual talent consistently shone. There isn’t a trophy-winning Arsenal side he wouldn’t have walked into.

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It was a wrench to lose him to Barcelona. However, the blow was softened by Fabregas’ insistence that the move was not about abandoning Arsenal but merely returning home. Fabregas had Arsenal in his heart but Barcelona in his blood. 

Arsenal cushioned the blow by negotiating a "first-option" clause. Should Barcelona ever decide to sell the playmaker—something which seemed hugely improbable at the time—the Gunners would be offered the chance to sign him first. 

When Fabregas came on the market this summer, a significant queue formed. Arsenal, however, were conspicuous by their absence. Perhaps stung by the nature of Fabregas’ departure, Wenger turned his nose up at the Catalan schemer. Explaining the decision to Simon Yeend of the Express, Wenger said:

"

When he left we bought Ozil to buy an offensive player. We have Cazorla, we have Wilshere, we have Ramsey, we have Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are all offensive players. We were not in the need to buy offensive players. It makes sense if you just look at the balance of the team. I think that's a decision that is easy to understand.

"

In the absence of an offer from the Gunners, Fabregas did the unthinkable and signed for Chelsea.

Perhaps we should have seen it coming. Blue and red have always been Fabregas’ colours. The blaugrauna of Barca. The red of Arsenal. And now, agonisingly for Gunners fans, the blue of Chelsea.

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The blow is compounded by seeing Fabregas team up with Jose Mourinho, the manager who he frequently waged war with at both Arsenal and Barcelona. As far as Arsenal fans are concerned, Cesc has gone to the dark side. Mourinho is the Sith Lord who has harnessed his powers for nefarious purposes.

Fabregas’ unholy union only seems to have strengthened his powers. Arsenal’s fear of his potential impact is justified: He has begun the season in superb form, striking up a devastating understanding with the clinical Diego Costa. 

Arsenal’s decision to turn down Fabregas was in part due to the signing of Mesut Ozil. However, at this stage, Fabregas’ performances are far outstripping those of Arsenal’s record signing. It’s inevitable that this Sunday’s game will be viewed as a head-to-head between the two creative midfielders. On form, that’s a duel you’d expect Fabregas to win. 

With Mikel Arteta absent with injury, Fabregas’ good friend Mathieu Flamini will be charged with shutting Fabregas down. Few know him better. Affection will be set to one side as soon as the whistle blows. 

The same is true for the Arsenal fans. For all the history between the supporters and Fabregas, he plays for the enemy now. The fans will fear his potential and resent his presence. It will not make for a pleasant atmosphere.

Defeat to Chelsea is always painful. Defeat to Fabregas’ Chelsea would be heartbreaking.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.