Chelsea make the short
trip across the capital on Sunday to play Arsenal, aware that
should they fail to match Manchester United's result on Saturday at
Eastlands, then the title will be returning north.
Jose Mourinho has reigned supreme since arriving in England in
guiding Chelsea to back-to-back titles in his first two seasons at
Stamford Bridge, but it now looks as though the old master at Old
Trafford has got one over the cocksure pupil.
In any season there is a defining weekend and while Chelsea are far
from waving the white flag, United's win at Everton last week, in
coming back from two down, does look as though it will be a massive
three points for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Following their European elimination in midweek to Liverpool, when
allied to dropping points at Bolton in their last Premiership
outing, the mood in Chelsea's dressing room is likely to be one of
despondence and Mourinho will have to dig deep in his managerial
bag of tricks to lift his players.
Andrei Shevchenko's absence at Anfield, somewhat predictably,
manifest plenty of mischievous column inches as Chelsea offered a
groin injury as explanation, but it is expected he could figure at
Arsenal, meaning Salomon Kalou may drop to the bench.
Chelsea were also without Ricardo Carvalho on Tuesday night,
courtesy of a knee injury, which means Michael Essien will continue
to deputise alongside John Terry at the heart of their back
four.
While Chelsea's mood will be one of apprehension and determination,
Arsenal prepare for an end of season clash which matters little,
given they have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League and
have long since kissed goodbye to hopes of a title bid of their
own.
The overriding sentiment at Emirates Stadium will be one of
disappointment, when reflecting on the season as a whole, but
Arsene Wenger will be eager for a strong finish and no quarter will
be given.
Arsenal are without long-term absentees Thierry Henry, Robin van
Persie and Theo Walcott, who have been joined in the treatment room
this week by Freddie Ljungberg - who has been ruled out with a
hamstring - along with Tomas Rosicky, rated at no more than
50/50.
Should Chelsea fail to win on their sojourn in North London then
United will all but certainly wrap up the title, but if Manchester
City do Chelsea a favour, then the title race could very much be
back on come the final whistle.
