So we’re down to our bare-bones at left back, Gallas’ eye is doing a Quasimodo, Didier Drogba is back for Chelsea and – surprise surprise – Frank Lampard will probably be back for the chavs too. Got the Blues? Fear not.

Let’s face it, even at home we’re not favourites for this game. We have a 100% record at home this season, have played some unbelievable stuff most of the time and have generally showed the right attitude in games. Sunderland, without needing to say, was the obvious exception.

Yet there’s a lot of things Mr Media won’t tell you that may work in Arsenal’s favour come Sunday. While Arsenal are leaking like a sieve at the back through a mix of ill discipline and concentration issues, on their day, they can shut up shop, believe it or not.

A lot will depend on Gallas returning to the side, but sometimes you can only go with what you’ve got. If Senderos or Silvestre step into central defence, they’ll just have to be committed, fearless and brave against a strong, belittling Chelsea attack.

We used to boast we have Cesc Fabregas. But we now also have Alex Song. And Andrey Arshavin. There’s the underrated Denilson which won’t inspire fear but could always surprise, and then there’s Nasri and Rosicky which always has the threat of clicking at the right time.

We have the Vermanator, and he will be a huge weapon against the Blues. Why? Because everyone’s forgetting that, for their standards, Chelsea have been rubbish at set-pieces. Arsenal-standard rubbish. The much heralded John ‘we’re only getting started’ Terry has been awful in the air against teams like Villa and Wigan, and the centrebacks could well sniff an opportunity to plant one in the corner. Gallas, Vermaelen and even Senderos take note.

Chelsea have conceded seven goals away from home. We’ve scored bucketloads at home. Don’t write it off.

Doubts remain over Vela or Eduardo starting for this game. Even Theo Walcott’s put his hand up. But should Eduardo start, don’t let the Sunderland game put you off. With Arshavin added into the mix from the start, that Chelsea defence better be up for it.

And then, there’s just always the magic of football. People like Alan Hansen will go on about Robin van Persie (even if, yes, we could really use him for this game), and Myles ’say no more’ Palmer will get hits on NewsNow for bagging this team out 24/7.

But the magic of football gives you that hope, however faint and vain, that you just possibly could do the bastards a nice one.

Do I smell a win? It could be a long shot. But it will forever be one worth taking.

Filed under: Arsenal, Blogging