Critical London Derby

Kicking Arsenal's monkey ass out of the Champions League was the highlight of the last season for us. To repeat the feat at Highbury this coming weekend will be easy, if the same tactical approach is used. Players were not playing 100% for the game against Porto. There was no need to win it anyway. All concentration and fitness will be conserved for this clash, the best and most important one thus far in the season. Already 5 points ahead, a win will defintely see Arsenal at a severe disadvantage.

My winning XI:

Petr Cech - No arguments here. He's on form now.

Wayne Bridge - Gallas has been shaky at LB and to prevent any slip ups when it matters, Bridge's left boot will be more reliable. His link up with Duff has been impressive.

John Terry - Magnificent all season. The rock at the heart of Chelsea's defence.

Ricardo Carvalho - Gallas's height is a big disadvantage to settle incoming aerial crosses. Robert Huth will make a good substituition if necessary. Huth can take direct free kicks as well.

Paulo Ferreira - He plays a more defensive game than Glen Johnson and Gallas. Being aware of Arsenal's counter attacks is essential as not to be caught offguard by Pires or Henry.

Arjen Robben - A flying winger is needed to provide width. To provide good crosses, mesmerising dribbles into the box and earning fouls along the way.

Frank Lampard - He should be comfortable as Vieira is out with suspension. Accurate long passes/through balls is expected and zonal defence when needed.

Claude Makelele - His occasional slack play disturbs me. But Parker isn't ready.

Damien Duff - Impressive and intelligent play should earn him a place in the starting XI. But a more straight-forward tactical attacking option could be Smertin.

Eidur Gudjohnson - A scorer and provider. Great upper body strength. Kezman lack in stature as compared to Campbell and Cygan.

Didier Drogba - Good in the air and great physical presence. Should be back to hot scoring in this game.

Substitudes:
Cudicini, Tiago, Kezman, Huth, Smertin

Notes:
Joe Cole for me could play behind a lone striker but that place can be easily filled by Duff/Robben so he seems very redundant at this point. Tiago can be introduced if we are 1-2 goals up late in the game to play a more defensive game. Smertin can be introduced at the flanks to chase the game if we are a goal down and move Duff/Robben to join the forwards.