LONDON - For those with a morbid fascination for other
people's misfortune, the Emirates Stadium is the place to be on
Sunday as Arsenal and Chelsea meet in the wake of shattering
midweek experiences.
Both fell at the semi-final hurdle of the Champions League with
Arsenal simply outclassed by Manchester United in
a 4-1 aggregate drubbing while Chelsea had two
feet and a hand in the final before Barcelona knocked them out deep
in stoppage time.
Arsenal's self esteem will have to return quickly if they are to
trouble a Chelsea outfit burning with a sense of injustice from
Wednesday's traumatic finale against Barca when they had four
legitimate penalty claims turned down.
The Gunners looked demoralised as they were torn to shreds by a
Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired United on Tuesday, and manager Arsene
Wenger's body language suggested his faith in his side's ability to
become a true force is shaken.
Another defeat by Chelsea, following last month's FA Cup
semi-final loss, would end Arsenal's slim hopes of nicking third
place from the Blues and thereby avoid the lottery of a non-seeded
fourth qualifying round tie for a place in next season's Champions
League.
They are also still to visit United in the league.
With three matches remaining Chelsea are six points above
Arsenal and six behind leaders Manchester United, who with a game
in hand hold a three-point lead over second-placed Liverpool and
look odds on for an 18th title.
Liverpool have valiantly pushed United all the way this season
and will be hoping for another twist in the title race when
United host Manchester City on
Sunday at Old Trafford, although Liverpool first
must take three points from Gianfranco Zola's seventh-placed
West Ham United on Saturday.
Rafael Benitez's side should have striker Fernando Torres back
for the trip to east London where victory would take them back to
the top, for 24 hours at least, although midfielder Xabi Alonso,
victim of a horrible tackle by Newcastle United's Joey Barton on
Sunday is doubtful.
Liverpool have scored a whopping 35 goals in their last 11
matches and, according to defender Alvaro Arbeloa they are not yet
calling off the chase of United.
"I prefer to play before United," Arbeloa told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"If we can win, maybe they will play against City with a bit more
pressure.
United need just seven points from their remaining games to
retain the title and manager Alex Ferguson said on Tuesday his side
were peaking at the perfect moment.
