Chelsea v Arsenal:  PETR CECH believes Chelsea can effectively knock Arsenal out of the title race by beating them at Stamford Bridge tomorrow after echoing William Gallas' recent criticisms by suggesting Arsene Wenger's side lack the ability "to be physical and fight" when their free-flowing style fails to deflate opponents.

The leaders will move 13 points clear of their visitors should they inflict a third successive league defeat upon them tomorrow. Luiz Felipe Scolari remains cautious about writing off these opponents too prematurely and has suggested he would be content with a top-two placing at the turn of the year, convinced as he is his team will become stronger in the run-in.

Cech, though, painted a starker picture of Arsenal's prospects. "For them it is a 'must not lose' match because, if they lose this game, they are out of the title race completely," said the goalkeeper.

"Maybe it is even a 'must win' game because, if they don't win, it is still 10 points, still a big gap. But I would say must not lose because, if it is 13 points, I think that is too far. If we can win, we can cut out one of our title rivals.

"Both sides have the same characteristics. Both sides want to play with the ball, both teams want to entertain. I think they always played like that.

"You can see they don't have the squad for people to defend, that's why they are trying to use their own strengths, the passing game and the movement, and that's why they play the way they have the last few years.

"At times they play beautiful football but, sometimes, you have to know how to win the game in a different way and that is the difference between us and them. When you have the type of game where you don't manage to move your opponent with the football, you need to be physical and fight, this is what they are missing."

That assessment matched Gallas's controversial comments that Arsenal's younger players need to be "braver", an outburst that - combined with criticism of an unnamed player's attitude - saw him stripped of the captaincy last weekend. Cesc Fabregas will lead Arsenal out at Stamford Bridge and, as Chelsea look to strengthen their position at the top, there was an ominous warning from Scolari that his team will be stronger after Christmas.

Avram Grant's side dropped only 10 points in a 14-match unbeaten run after the new year last term, and the Brazilian hopes to emulate that sequence. "We'll be better in the second half of the season," said Scolari. "If we are first or second on December 31st, and still in the other competitions, I'll have the players fit to challenge for all the trophies after that."

For his part, Wenger intends to break one ingrained habit in the near future. "Frankly, I do not read many footballers' autobiographies but I will read this one," he said with a smile.

The Arsenal manager doubts there will be much he does not already know. "You get the interesting things in the newspapers," he added, but Gallas's book has grabbed his attention.

Wenger's interest, though, is greater in the next chapter of Gallas's story, which resumes tomorrow.

For once, Ashley Cole will not be the biggest target for abuse from a fired-up derby crowd. Yet Wenger has no doubts that Gallas will thrive inside the hothouse.

Having stripped him of the captain's armband last week, Wenger believes the defender has emerged stronger. He even claimed that Gallas now had increased respect from his team-mates and supporters.

"Especially of the fans," he said. "Of the players as well. Your attitude can always gain you credit or lose you credit, and I think the kind of attitude he has shown, he has gained credit. He is as committed as ever." Guardian Service