As with the Man United tie, it's a policy that could easily backfire. Some will say it's a no-lose policy on Wenger's part since if we do go out to Chelsea, Arsenal can claim that it's not such a big deal since the FA Cup has been clearly made our third priority. But I think it's fair to say that most Arsenal fans see this game as a must-win one, because whoever wins this tie will be left with an unusually clear run to the trophy. And even with rested players, the (essential) win over Roma on Tuesday will not be guaranteed.

But it worked against United, so we'll have to reserve judgement on the reserve strategy for now.

Francis Jeffers is expected to start up front, possibly alongside Sylvain Wiltord. Apart from that, we can only guess. Stuart Taylor could be given the nod in goal (remember last year when Richard Wright was the regular keeper for FA Cup games, up until the final at least, even after Seaman had returned from injury). Ray Parlour and Edu could be used in midfield to give a couple from Vieira, Pires, and Ljungberg a day off. Gio van Bronckhorst will be at left-back, and Keown may well be left out in favour of Pascal Cygan, so as to ensure the older-but-wiser centreback's availability for the Champions League.

Dennis Bergkamp's recent injuries make him a strong bet for a break before Tuesday. He might not even make the bench, but Thierry Henry surely will.

Chelsea have Desailly, Petit, and Le Saux back in the squad following injuries, but Claudio Ranieri may decide not to bring them all straight back in. Le Saux in particular lacks match fitness, as does Desailly.

Mario Stanic is definitely out with a ban for getting 5 yellow cards which means Manu has a good chance of playing. But the big question for us is whether Gianfranco Zola will return to the starting line-up. He's come off the bench the last 2 games after coming back from hamstring trouble. Given the immense importance of this game to Chelsea's season, Ranieri would surely be crazy not to use the little Italian.

The game is live on the BBC with a ridiculous kick-off time of 5:15. They put us on at noon when we have to go all the way to Manchester, then schedule a local derby for a weekend evening so that everyone has the chance to spend all day in the pub first. Smart move, and one which clearly has more to do with the BBC also having live coverage of the Old Firm game from Glasgow earlier in the day, than anything to do with security concerns.

Chelsea haven't beaten us for ages, but that run has to end sometime and against a deliberately under-strength Arsenal side they'll be feeling that this is as good a chance as any, if not better. And they should be well up for it after last year's final. But note that if Arsenal do win, the date Man Utd's league visit to Highbury will be moved from Tuesday 15th to Wednesday 16th April (due to our FA Cup semi-final the preceding Sunday).

Rupe adds...
Matchday update: Le Boss has confirmed that Bergkamp will not be involved. "I could have used Dennis. But he'll have another training session instead. He will be available for Tuesday."