Arsenal take on Middlesbrough at
the Emirates with both teams chasing the points at different ends
of the table.
Arsene Wenger's side will be looking to win to cement their UEFA
Champions League spot, while Boro are in a desperate relegation
battle, three points from safety.
The Gunners showed their attacking threat when drawing 4-4 at
Liverpool in midweek, with Russian star Andrey Arshavin netting all
four.
But they may have one eye on the UEFA Champions League
semi-final with Manchester United next Wednesday - the Gunners'
only chance of silverware this season.
Even so, they will fancy their chances against a Boro side who
have only recorded two wins and two draws on their league travels
this term.
Gareth Southgate's men have also only scored nine goals on the
road - the second lowest total in the division.
However, Boro have drawn both of their previous visits to the
Emirates and Southgate has yet to lose against a Wenger side in the
Premier League.
Wenger says the Gunners will rotate a little for this game, but
Arshavin should keep his place given he is cup-tied for the
Champions League clash.
But Dutch striker Robin van Persie is definitely out for both
this game and the United clash as he continues to nurse a groin
problem.
On a more positive note, Wenger is set to welcome Manuel
Almunia, Johan Djourou and Emmanuel Adebayor back into his
first-team squad.
Almunia (ankle) and Djourou (knee) have both been in full
training this week, while Adebayor should come back into training
on Saturday following a hamstring complaint.
Gael Clichy (back) has a scan on Monday and could be back for
the second Manchester United game on 5th May but William Gallas and
Tomas Rosicky are out for the season.
For Boro, Southgate has started with the same side for the last
two games against Fulham and Hull, which have earned four
points.
But he could make changes to his midfield given Gary O'Neil and
Didier Digard have both returned.
O'Neil is back after suspension, while Digard, who been expected
to miss the rest of the season after suffering knee and groin
injuries in February, has returned to training and played for
Boro's reserves on Tuesday .
But, on a less positive note, Chris Riggott suffered an ankle
injury in the same reserve game, while Emanuel Pogatetz (knee)
remains on the casualty list.
Arsenal: Almunia, Gibbs, Toure, Silvestre,
Sagna, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Denilson, Arshavin, Adebayor.
Middlesbrough: Jones, Huth, McMahon, Bates,
Taylor, Wheater, Downing, O'Neil, Aliadiere, Tuncay, Alves.