Chelsea Vs Arsenal
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DATE: Sun 7 Feb 2010
TIME: 16:00
VENUE: Stamford Bridge
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Captain John Terry will lead Chelsea out for their Barclays Premier League showdown against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Terry has been under the media spotlight for a week following revelations about an alleged relationship with former team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend but coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he will play.
Versatile defender Juliano Belletti remains out with a knee injury along with Michael Essien.
Midfielder John Mikel Obi has returned from the African Nations Cup and former Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole has shaken off a recent ankle injury.
Ancelotti believes Terry has the full backing of the Stamford Bridge dressing room despite revelations about his private life.
As far as the Italian is concerned, Terry remains a valuable member of the squad and when asked if he still had the backing of the players, Ancelotti replied: "I think so. John speaks with his team-mates because he's the captain of this team.
"He is focusing on his job. He's doing very well every day, every moment. He's the captain of this team so, with his behaviour, he's doing his best for this team.
"Also he played very well in the last two games. He scored against Burnley. He's in fantastic condition at the moment. The problem that involves John is outside our training ground and it's a normal life for us. John's mood is very normal. I have not spoken to him. It's not necessary for me to speak to him about his private life. I'm only interested in his professional behaviour and that is the best."
Arsenal will be without Croatia striker Eduardo.
Eduardo is sidelined with a hamstring injury but midfielder Abou Diaby could return from a calf problem.
Former captain Sol Campbell is back after a minor groin strain forced him out of the defeat by Manchester United while fit-again Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner is pressing for a start
Robin van Persie (ankle), Kieran Gibbs (foot) and Johan Djourou (knee) are long-term absentees.
Arsene Wenger has challenged his young Arsenal squad not to make the same mistakes as they did in a crushing defeat to Manchester United by failing to "turn up" at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Wenger's team came up short in every department against United last weekend, when the champions romped to a 3-1 win at Emirates Stadium. The French coach, however, believes lessons have been taken on board.
"The biggest regret I have from against Manchester United is that we gave them too much freedom and allowed them to play too much in a game where we should have been dictating," Wenger said.
"My team wanted it so much that sometimes you can be a little bit restricted and our target is to get that freedom to play against Chelsea.
"I am convinced that we are capable to win everywhere in the world, but of course we need to turn up with a good performance."
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