Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season.
The teams meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (13:30 GMT) with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind them in fourth.
However, the prospect of either catching runaway leaders Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top having played a game more, appears remote.
The realistic aim now for Arsenal and Chelsea appears to be ensuring their place in next season's Champions League, with fifth spot now looking likely to be sufficient.