Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas needs "to be respected like he deserves to be" when he returns to North London to face Arsenal this weekend.

That's according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who spoke to the press this morning ahead of the weekends top of the table Premier League clash.

The Spanish international left Arsenal in 2011 to sign for hometown club Barcelona before returning to the Premier League this summer.

Arsenal had reportedly the first refusal on the World Cup winner, but after turning down the chance to sign Fabregas, Jose Mourinho stepped in to sign the midfielder.

Fabregas has thrived in the Chelsea midfield this season, scoring three goals in 30 league appearances. He is expected to win his first Premier League title next month.

Wenger says his side are in excellent form going into this weekend's game and feels a win this weekend may set down an early marker for next season:

Off the Ball will have live commentary from the Emirates Stadium of Arsenal v Chelsea at 4pm on Sunday afternoon. There will also me live commentary from Goodison Park as Everton face Manchester United at 1.30pm.