Apologies for the lack of blogging yesterday – problems with my internet service provider kept me quiet last night, but hopefully it’s a problem now sorted.

By now you will already know that Robin van Persie’s situation with the ankle ligaments. He has been re-assessed by the club and it turns out he’s ruptured tendons in his ankle that will keep him out for up to five months. Pretty much, Robin’s out for the season.

It comes at a time when the rest of the side, already shorn of the Dutchman’s services for this game at least, are preparing for the epic, cataclysmic clash against Chelsea.

A lot of the media talk right now is centering around van Persie’s injury. Make no mistake, it’s a huge blow to our title chances and a mental knock to some of the players alright.

But it changes nothing with regards to the Chelsea game which, today at least, is all they can care about.

We were already without Clichy and RVP, and we could be without Gallas – though I certainly hope he pulls through in time. So not much has changed our circumstances today – it’s just that comparing our squad to the West London Millionaires makes the situation appear to be ‘degrading’ as we speak.

The fact of the matter is, we have a chance against Chelsea. We’ve played very well at home, the players seem more confident at home, and if they approach this game like anyone else would approach a derby, you have to say we have a chance.

We can start with potential weaknesses in Chelsea’s team – believe it or not, they do exist.

Chelsea’s possible midfield will definitely involve Lampard and Essien. Who else will partner those two? By the sounds of it, Ballack will be the third in that midfield, while one of Malouda or Joe Cole will front up with Drogba and Anelka.

So a midfield triumvirate of Lampard, Essien and Ballack is many things. It’s mighty, strong and aggressive. But it’s also rather slow. Essien aside, it won’t be the first time Ballack and Lampard have had rings run around them in the middle of the park by the likes of Fabregas, Denilson, even Diaby.

While I don’t see Abou playing tonight, Alex Song, Denilson and Fabregas should find the service to the wingmen, well enough to give us a width advantage that Chelsea don’t have.

Whoever is central striker tonight will need to drift to either flank. For that reason, I see Eduardo getting the nod over Vela. When play gets shifted to the left or right forward, Eduardo will probably  be seen drifting on an outward diagonal to that flank, while Cesc Fabregas comes up through the middle to help finish off moves.

So there are things we can exploit to our advantage. We have our well-documented weaknesses, but Chelsea have their less-well-known ones too, mainly their lack of width and a little less pace in the centre of the park.

Nevertheless, this will always remain an awesome encounter, and despite our huge setbacks, I can never discount an Arsenal side until the fat lady has well and truly sung.

And that includes our title prospects, too. Come on, you rip-roaring Red and Whites!

Filed under: Arsenal, Blogging, English Premier League