If ever there was a match that Chelsea probably didn't want after exiting Europe in such dismal fashion on Tuesday night, it would be away from home against their huge London rivals Arsenal. With the very real possibility that this could be the weekend Chelsea relinquish their Premiership Champions crown if they lose and Manchester Utd win their match, this has all the makings of a good old-fashioned humdinger.
Although Arsenal have been in another state of flux this year, with some of the bigger names having missed a lot of the season while the younger players coming through haven't quite adapted to the needs of such a big club, Arsene Wenger would like nothing more than beating Chelsea and handing the Premiership to another team, even if it is their rivals Man Utd. And, depending how Liverpool fare after their midweek heroics against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final, Arsenal could even leap frog the Reds into third place in the league.
Chelsea must be feeling shell-shocked right now. From a position just under a week ago, when they were still looking at the unheard of quadruple, they're now struggling to even do a cup double, with Man Utd to face in the FA Cup final on May 19th. For a team with such highly paid superstars and a self-proclaimed "Special One" as their manager, this has been a very disappointing season for them, and they'll be hoping their old enemies don't rub salt in the wound on Sunday afternoon.
STATS It's almost four years since Arsenal last beat Chelsea at home, a 2-1 victory way back in October 2003, and they'll be looking to improve on that statistic for this weekend's match. With Chelsea winning last season's corresponding game 2-0 at the old Highbury ground, and the teams drawing 1-1 earlier this season, it should make for an interesting fixture.
FORM Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins to their name. They have also won their last three matches at home, against Bolton, Fulham and Manchester City. In the games where they have gone ahead first, Arsenal have never been beaten either, with an impressive 14 wins and just one draw from this position.
Unbeaten in 11 Premiership matches coming into this game, with clean sheets in 9 of these games, Chelsea have one of the meanest defences in the Premiership. They're also unbeaten in their last six away games, and will desperately want to win this match to make next Wednesday night's game against Man Utd still be a possible title decider.
INJURIES/SUSPENSIONS/RETURNS Thierry Henry misses out again for Arsenal, while William Gallas may not start against his old side as he looks to shake off a leg injury.
Andrei Shevchenko is the only major doubt for Chelsea with a groin injury, although Ricardo Carvalho may be rested again as he returns from injury.
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