Last Updated: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:51
Samir Nasri insists Arsenal are still in the title race but only if they beat leaders Chelsea in the crunch clash on Sunday.
The Gunners were thumped by Manchester United at home last weekend but, after Chelsea were held at Hull on Tuesday, they remain just six points behind the leaders heading into the Stamford Bridge clash.
Punters looking to use their free bet may have already made their minds up about Arsenal's title hopes, but Nasri is refusing to throw in the towel - at least until after the weekend.
"We are just six points away from Chelsea and we will play them on Sunday," Nasri told L'Equipe.
"A win could give us a big boost. The Premier League is 38 games and during the last one the title will be granted, not now.
"However, we can't lose on Sunday, otherwise it would mean the end of our title hopes."
Chelsea won 3-0 at the Emirates back in November but have struggled on the road of late, winning just once since that victory, although they have only dropped two points at home all season as they prepare to entertain the Gunners, who have won only two of the last 15 meetings between the sides.
Arsene Wenger will be without Eduardo, who has failed to recover from a hamstring strain, but may welcome back midfielder Abou Diaby, who is recovering from a calf problem suffered two weeks ago.
Blues top-scorer Didier Drogba, who has notched 10 goals in his last nine matches against Arsenal, returned to club duty with the equaliser at Hull and Ashely Cole has recovered from an ankle knock to face his former side, although doubts remain over the fitness of Juliano Belletti and Jose Bosingwa, while Michael Essien will definitely miss out.