The Premier League focus shifts to London come Sunday afternoon as Arsenal host table-toppers Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

The pair are separated by eight points going into the clash, and although Arsene Wenger’s men have a game in hand over their visitors, the hosts will be all to aware that it's now or never if they are to challenge for honours this term.

But for a shock defeat away to Sunderland last weekend (their first defeat in 13 matches), the Gunners have been the league’s in-form side, and many have subsequently tipped the North Londoners to be there or thereabouts come May.

At home Arsenal have proved to be formidable opposition. They boast the league’s most prolific attacking unit, although news that key striker Robin Van Persie is set for a five month spell on the treatment table has put a dampener on their title chances.

The Gunners have lost both games against their title rivals so far this term too, at Manchester United (2-1), and Manchester City (4-2) respectively, and Wenger will be all too aware of the fact that his men have lost three of their last four matches against Chelsea.

The Blues arrive on a high having demolished Wolves 5-0 last weekend and secured a 1-0 win away to Portuguese champions FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League midweek.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have looked imperious in recent weeks and will be feeling confident heading into another ‘big four’ clash having already claimed victories over Liverpool (2-0) and Manchester United (1-0).

With former Gunner Nicolas Anelka and Arsenal tormentor-in-chief Didier Drogba set to lead the Blues’ attacking line, the Gunners’ rear guard will be in for a stern test as the visitors aim to deliver a potential knock-out blow to the North Londoners’ title hopes for yet another season.

Drogba in particular has a particular likening of playing against Arsenal having notched seven goals in his last nine against Arsenal.

Team News:

Arsenal will be without full-back Gael Clichy (back) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) who are both long-term absentees, meaning Mikael Silvestre is set to deputise at left-back.

Robin Van Persie (ankle) has been ruled out until April at the least, whilst Nicolas Bendtner (hernia) and Abou Diaby (calf) will both sit out.

Defender William Gallas is touch and go following a knock he picked up during Arsenal’s midweek win over Standard Liege.

Chelsea welcome back Frank Lampard who has missed their last two league games with a thigh injury.

Apart from full-back Jose Bosingwa (knee), coach Carlo Ancelotti has a full squad to choose from.

Probable Starting XI's; Star Man:

Arsenal (4-3-3): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre, Nasri, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Walcott, Eduardo.

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Deco, Drogba, Anelka.

ExtraFootie's Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea. The last time Chelsea visited the Emirates Stadium they trounced the Gunners 4-1 back in May, however, this time we tip the Blues to grab a point.