Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has revealed that Didier Drogba will be on penalty duty against Arsenal.
Frenchman backs penalty taker to score against Arsenal
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has revealed that Didier Drogba will be on penalty duty against Arsenal and he has backed his team-mate to find the net against the Gunners.
Carlo Ancelotti's Blues take on their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and they have the opportunity to go seven points ahead of their fellow title contenders.
Chelsea have an excellent record over Arsenal in recent seasons and Drogba, in particular, has run their defence ragged on a number of occasions.
The powerful Ivorian will be on penalty duty this weekend as Frank Lampard continues to miss out through injury, despite Anelka scoring two spot-kicks in his absence.
"When Didier is not there and Frank is not there then maybe it is going to be me again," said Anelka.
"But if Didier is there then he is going to take it - but I did my job when I took them."
Drogba has netted 12 goals in just 10 starts against Arsenal and could shine once more in what is expected to be an enthralling Premier League clash.
Arsene Wenger's side will be underdogs as captain Cesc Fabregas is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Manuel Almunia (elbow), Kieran Gibbs (calf ), Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Aaron Ramsey (leg), Theo Walcott (ankle) and Robin van Persie (ankle) all miss out.
Former Gunner Anelka, 31, believes Drogba will be at his best and admits the African star likes to face Arsenal.
Favoured opponents
"Didier is just the same as before other games when we play Arsenal," he added.
"But I think he likes to play against them and of course he likes to score against them.
"To score against a big team is always good for a striker and it is good for
Chelsea. I hope it will be the same this weekend."
Blues skipper John Terry is eagerly anticipating the game after last week's disappointing defeat at Manchester City.
The centre-half expects his side to come out on top but is wary of opposition striker Marouane Chamakh, who he previously faced when the Moroccan played for Bordeaux.
"He was really impressive when we played against him and before those games, a few of our French guys mentioned how good he was," Terry remarked.
"I am not surprised to be seeing him playing for a top side now, but going forward Arsenal have always provided a threat.
"Defensively, hopefully we can get at them and score goals. They have been leaking a few of late."
