Carlo Ancelotti takes his side to face Arsenal today believing the clash will be a good indicator of what his side need to do to win the Premier League title.

The Blues have made a fine start to life under the Italian, storming to the top of the table.

They start today’s game eight points ahead of the Gunners in the title race and Ancelotti knows victory at the Emirates Stadium will send out a warning to their rivals.

“When you play against a strong team like Arsenal or Manchester United, it’s an important test. Arsenal are one of the most important teams in England and Europe,” Ancelotti said.

“They’re playing very well. I like their style, they try to play and attack to create difficulties for the other teams.

“It will be a very good test for us.

We want to put the best on the pitch against Arsenal. I think it will be a fantastic match because both teams want to play football.

“Arsenal will want to win the game and Chelsea also, but it’s not decisive for the title. It would be 11 points if we won, but Arsenal would have a
game in hand.”

Chelsea’s chances will be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard from injury, but Didier Drogba is still out.

Arsenal’s injury news just gets worse after it was revealed striker Robin van Persie will be out for five months as he needs reconstructive surgery on his injured ankle.

As well as Van Persie, Arsenal are without Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby. But boss Arsene Wenger insists his team will be up for the battle.

“It is a big test, yes but that is what you want, to play these teams,” the Frenchman said.

“I think there is a period for any team to come out and show its strengths.

For my team, this moment has come.

“We are not any more a team that has to be considered to be young. I think we have the strengths and we can show today that we are strong enough to compete.”