I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a starting strike-force of Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp, both of whom came on just for the last 10 minutes of the win over Villarreal on Wednesday. Dennis won't be going to Spain for Tuesday's second leg, and although Robin will, the 4-5-1 formation which we're using in Europe these days means that he won't be starting unless something tragic happens to Thierry Henry in the next few days. And, with Robin, Dennis, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jose Antonio Reyes all available, the chances are that Thierry will be rested tomorrow so as to ensure that doesn't happen.

Reyes returns to the squad, having missed out on Wednesday through suspension, and is a likely starter to give Robert Pires, Alexander Hleb, or Freddie Ljungberg a rest. Cesc Fabregas looked like he needed a rest towards the end of the Villarreal game, if not earlier, so I'd expect Abou Diaby to play. I do hope it's not the Diaby and Alex Song partnership in the middle of the park, though, as I don't think either of them is quite ready for that (as witnessed in Portsmouth 10 days ago).

Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell are not available for selection yet, despite Ash playing 90 minutes in the reserves on Wednesday (he and Gael Clichy each did 45 minutes at left back and 45 at left midfield). Le Boss says that Ash might play in the last couple of league games, and that Sol should be in the squad for Tuesday. But it's hard to see him breaking up the defence that extended its record-breaking run of Champs League clean sheets to 9 on Wednesday. So, without Sol and Ash, the main defensive option for squad rotation is Johan Djourou who could come in either at right back or centre back.

Tottenham have more potential injury problems than Arsenal. Martin Jol is expected to give Egyptian striker a late test on his groin, and there are also doubts over midfielders Edgar Davids (ankle) and Teemu Tainio (leg), and defender Anthony Gardner (shin). Gardner was last rated at 50-50 for the Arsenal game, and if he doesn't make it then Calum Davenport will retain his place. Most significantly, perhaps, they'll definitely be without Ledley King (out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot).

As Wenger says, "There was never a game where there was so much at stake for both teams.". We are 4 points behind going into the match, but with 4 games left to their 3. With our remaining games being against Sunderland, Man City, and Wigan, a win would put us very much in the driving seat for 4th place. Anything else, though, and catching Tottenham will be rather tricky.

So, we need a win, they'd happily settle for a draw: the visitors could be setting up camp in their own half. And that could mean that Bergkamp's guile instead of Henry's pace might not be such a bad idea...

Rupe adds...
Late news... Tottenham will be without another key man in Jermaine Jenas. The midfielder suffered a shin injury in training, late today.