Wenger's faith in trusted plan

Wenger respects the knowledge and experience of his Italian rival but relies less on the rotation policy favoured by many modern coaches.

He insists that Arsenal will remain faithful to their tried-and-trusted game plan.

"Claudio has done well at Chelsea but I think that if we play our own game, then Chelsea will have most of the problems," he said. "My match tactics are not dictated by the opposition."

What the record books show is that Chelsea's performances against their illustrious London rivals have improved under Ranieri. A more functional coach than his predecessor Gianluca Vialli, Ranieri's four matches in charge have produced three 1-1 draws and a 2-1 defeat at Highbury last season.

Ranieri favours a deep defence against Arsenal and will again be reluctant to commit his forces to a sustained frontal assault knowing that it would stretch the game and leave space behind his back four.

Any defensive vacuum will instantly be filled by Thierry Henry, whose pace is a prime consideration for most opposing coaches.

Chelsea's priority will involve shackling the explosive French striker who scored his 17th first-team goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

Henry missed the draw at Stamford Bridge in September but, in that match, the nature of Arsenal's second-half salvage operation convinced Wenger they could successfully defend their title this season.

A goal down and reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute after the dismissal of Patrick Vieira, Arsenal summoned their reserves of team spirit and fought back to earn a draw. "It was a good point against a very good side," saidWenger.

It was something of a landmark performance because Arsenal cruised through their next eight Premiership and Champions League games, winning all of them, and after a blip in the autumn now seem to be regaining their early-season momentum.

Few sides are capable of derailing them. But Chelsea are one of them - if they can get their tactics right.