The theory that Chelsea would stumble without Drogba might have to go on hold. The theory that Arsenal will miss Song, unfortunately, still has legs. Amazingly Chelsea's 52 goal tally leaves them a goal behind Arsenal's. However, it's goal difference that counts and at the moment their's is four better than the Gunners. Nonetheless, my feeling is we still urgently need a striker.

However, what was of more concern in the last match against Everton was the failure of our midfield to grip the game without Song. Now Fabregas will return which should improve the midfield and goal scoring positions. He really is becoming our Gerrard, but unfortunately our injury problems continue.

Injury problems continue

The return of Fabregas is partly undermined by the loss of Ramsey and Denilson, which certainly exacerbates the absence of Song. Walcott now has a mystery injury, and I mean no malice when I say it is beginning to remind me of the Jeffers's saga. Bendtner is two weeks away, which is bit like saying tomorrow never comes.

Clichy will be available, that's a plus, and that could even release Traore for midfield.

Midfield lineup?

However, who will the central three midfielders be? You can never second guess Wenger, he can always take you by surprise, but most logically it should be Nasri, Fabregas and Diaby. I assume, maybe wrongly, that Diaby would get the holding role? All three are attack minded so it is possible that the defence will the lack the screening that allowed Everton two goals.

Bogey nonsense

Arsenal have won the last six games in all comps against Bolton, but lazy journalists will still pretend that they have the evil eye over us. Nevertheless, without a striker, or possibly an effective holding midfielder, they could be hard to beat. Elbows Davies (booked 9 times against Arsenal) will be at his most annoying. Arsenal need to hit the ground running, they can't afford to be slow out of the traps two games running.

Six points at stake

Arsenal are now six points behind Chelsea, with only one game in hand, over the next 4 days they will contest six points against the same team. They need every one of those six points if they are to contend for the league, because the games will get even tougher over the next few weeks, with games against Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea coming up. It is possible that Song will not be available for all three of them.

Will Coyle make a difference tomorrow? Who knows, it is too early for him to change Bolton's awful style of play. However he will raise the morale of the team and the crowd, so Arsenal would benefit by denting that morale early, and they need to remember that Coyle has already cost them two points this season.

Sky like to hype things up with Grand Slam Sunday's, but there is no doubt that this is a Super Double Header Half-week that could have a big impact on the outcome of the final positions of the top four. It just reminds me how much I hate snow, if I never see it again, apart from on holiday, it will be too soon.

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