Wenger must lift deflated Arsenal for Chelsea

Arsene Wenger faces one of the biggest challenges of his distinguished career to lift his side for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea days after their dispiriting FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United.

Bruised in body and spirit, their hopes of a treble ended by Paul Scholes's first-half goal for United on Saturday, Arsenal face three more huge fixtures in the space of six days.

With Chelsea closing to within four points in the battle at the top of the premier league, games against Liverpool and Newcastle United next Friday and Sunday have taken on extra importance.

However, while another domestic title would be pleasing for Wenger, his real target is the Champions League, where he is seeking to take Arsenal into the semi-finals for the first time.

Arsenal's record against Chelsea would appear to have them well-placed to advance, particularly as they hold the advantage of an away goal from the 1-1 first leg draw at Stamford Bridge.

But while Chelsea's confidence is rising on the back of a determined premier league run, Arsenal's is just beginning to show one or two hairline cracks as the pressure builds.

Wenger has lost striker Jose Reyes and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg for several games, both injured in Saturday's semi, and suddenly his resources are looking a little thin.

His decision to start with Thierry Henry on the bench backfired against United and the French striker looked a frustrated figure as he failed to make any impact after his belated introduction.

Wenger, as so often at this stage of the season, is beginning to feel the world is conspiring against him. Fixture congestion, injuries, international call-ups, all to be expected by a leading club chasing honours on three fronts, have nevertheless left the Frenchman fuming.

Conversely, Claudio Ranieri appears to be loving every minute of Chelsea's dual assault, despite the fact that he seems set to be sacked at the end of the season regardless of any success.

Depending on which Chelsea form guide one chooses to use for Tuesday's Highbury encounter, Ranieri's side are either hot favourites or have no hope.

Their away form this season is irresistable. In Europe they have won all five away games, including a 4-0 thrashing of Lazio in Rome, without conceding a goal.

Saturday's 1-0 success at Tottenham Hotspur was their 12th away win in the premier league, where they have lost only twice on their travels.

However, one of those defeats came at Highbury and that is where the form makes a rapid backflip. They have led Arsenal in their last three meetings only to concede on each occasion.

Possible teams:

Chelsea: 31-Marco Ambrosio, 2-Glen Johnson, 13-William Gallas, 26-John Terry, 18-Wayne Bridge, 30-Jesper Gronkjaer, 4-Claude Makelele, 8-Frank Lampard, 11-Damien Duff, 22-Eidur Gudjohnsen, 21-Hernan Crespo.

Arsenal: 1-Jens Lehmann, 12-Lauren, 23-Sol Campbell, 28-Kolo Toure, 3-Ashley Cole, 19-Gilberto, 4-Patrick Vieira, 17-Edu, 7-Robert Pires, 10-Dennis Bergkamp, 14-Thierry Henry.

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany).