Stamford Bridge is the venue for today’s encounter as Arsenal face bitter rivals Chelsea in arguably the Gunners’ most crucial match of the season. A loss for Wenger’s men today will effectively destroy their chances of Premiership glory this season, having been convincingly undone by Manchester United last weekend and subsequently left seven points adrift of top spot.

While the match may be more important for the visiting Gunners, today’s fixture will also be held in great importance by Chelsea. Manchester United’s 5-0 flogging of Portsmouth yesterday has moved them one point ahead of Chelsea with the Reds having played one game more. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will want to reclaim top spot, and only a win in today’s game will allow them to do that.

Today’s hosts will be boosted by the fact that Ashley C*le has returned from an ankle injury and will be fit to start at left back, while John Obi Mikel is also once again eligible for selection. Chelsea will be only be without three players for today’s vital encounter, with livewire Michael Essien sidelined along with long-term absentees Julianoo Belletti and Jose Bosingwa. John Terry will captain his side against Arsenal today, and I don’t expect the personal woes he’s faced in the last week to have any sort of impact on his or his team’s performance.

On the Arsenal front, the pile of crocked players filling up the Physio’s Room is slowly dissipating. Abou Diaby is fit for selection having returned from a calf injury, however there are doubts about the Frenchman’s fitness and he may have to settle for a spot on the bench. Eduardo has failed to recover from the injury he suffered at Aston Villa last week, and joining him in the stands will be fellow sicknotes Robin van Persie, Fran Merida, Johan Djourou, Carlos Vela and Kieran Gibbs.

That leaves the most likely lineup for today’s game looking something like this:

Arshavin – Bendtner – Nasri
Denilson – Song – Fabregas
Clichy – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia

BENCH: Fabianski, Campbell, Eboue, Traore, Eboue, Rosicky, Diaby.

Possibly alterations to that line-up include the inclusion of Tomas Rosicky somewhere, most likely at Nasri’s expense, or alternatively in the midfield instead of Denilson. If deemed fit enough, Denilson may have to make way for Diaby in the centre of the park, while Eboue could also find himself starting either on the wing or possibly at right back.

While that line-up is far stronger than what we’ve been forced to field at times this season, I’m not confident that it’ll be enough to challenge high-flying Chelsea. The Blues showed what they were capable of when they tore us apart at the Emirates earlier in the season, and although we’ll have more personnel fit and ready for today’s encounter, toppling Chelsea at home may be a Bridge too far. I’d be happy with a draw, and just hope the boys go out there and do the club proud.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 2:01 AM and is filed under Arsenal, Match Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.