There’s far more riding on tomorrow’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and Chelsea than three points for either side. A win for Arsenal would confirm that they are, by far, the favourites for the title. A win for Chelsea would convince them if not the world, that they still have title aspirations — and it would also open the door for Manchester United.And if Chelsea lose, that could be the end for manager Claudio Ranieri — and some of his expensive stars.Arsenal, hoping to beat their London rivals at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1999, can take encouragement from the fact that they have not lost there in seven league matches since 1995.Ranieri concedes that defeat could finish his expensively-assembled team’s title challenge. ‘‘If we win, the gap is very close’’, the Italian said. ‘‘If Arsenal win, for us it will be maybe impossible because nine points are too many.’’ Arsenal have 61 points from 25 matches compared to 56 for second-placed Manchester United, who face struggling Leeds United at Old Trafford in Saturday’s other early kickoff (1230 GMT), and 55 for Chelsea. Ranieri, however, has not yet given up hope. ‘‘I want to see my players show great will and a fantastic mentality, we need this now.’’Arsenal do have injury worries with midfielder Gilberto Silva and full back Ashley Cole nursing knocks picked up on international duty. Ray Parlour and Sylvain Wiltord are also missing. France striker Thierry Henry did not play in the FA Cup fifth round victory over Chelsea last Sunday and missed his country’s 2-0 win in Belgium on Wednesday. England defender Campbell was not risked in Portugal as he battles a niggling groin problem.But both should be in the line-up on Saturday, while Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, who has been out with a rib injury, has a slim chance of playing.Chelsea could welcome back Irish winger Damien Duff, who trained with the full squad for the first time on Wednesday after being sidelined with an Achilles strain.‘‘For me he has made a big impact at Chelsea’’, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told his club’s website. ‘‘It looks easy for him to go forward. I admire his running with the ball, his crossing and the fact he can finish right or left-footed.’’ Chelsea’s Argentine forward Hernan Crespo is also in training after a calf strain and hopes to be fully fit, and defender John Terry, who pulled out of the England squad with a bruised shin, should be available.Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is doubtful with the groin injury that caused him to be substituted during the Cup game at Highbury.Arsenal’s only defeat in the 1990-91 season when they won the title was at Stamford Bridge and their unbeaten record in the current campaign will be similarly tested by Chelsea’s galaxy of expensive recruits who know that defeat could prove fatal. (Reuters)
