Chelsea, Liverpool look for Premier League boost
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-10 10:33

Arsenal can make it into Europe's elite competition by winning the trophy for the first time this year but will not want to pin all their hopes on achieving that difficult task.

With a move to their new Emirates Stadium fast approaching next term Arsene Wenger's men will be hoping Spurs leave Stamford Bridge with nothing while his side beat Liverpool.

Chelsea have not lost a league game against Tottenham since 1990, although Jol's team are now a force to be reckoned with after their best Premier League campaign.

The last time the side's met at White Hart Lane earlier this season the champions won 2-0 but only after Tottenham striker Mido was sent off in the first half for elbowing Del Horno.

The law of averages says Spurs must eventually prevail over their west London rivals, although Chelsea's unbeaten league run against Tottenham now stands at a remarkable 31 matches.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben is suspended for the Blues.

Deposed European champions Liverpool travel to Highbury to face a Gunners side on a high after getting past Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

As the only British club left in the competition, Arsenal's tails will be up as they try and close the gap on Tottenham.

Liverpool's failure to take early chances against Benfica in the 2-0 midweek defeat put the spotlight back on their misfiring forwards who have yet to score a league goal this year.

"Of course, we need to start scoring goals," says Benitez. "The strikers are desperate to score and we must ensure that we continue to create chances for them."

Arsenal's young defence, on the other hand, has tightened up since a dreadful spell culminating in defeat at home to West Ham United and will be confident of containing the visitors.