Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Robin Van Persie and Players Under Most Pressure to Succeed

The battle for Champions League qualification really heats up this weekend when Premier League powers Arsenal and Chelsea battle in a match that could make or break each team's season.

Chelsea are currently five points behind Arsenal, who are in third place in the league table, and two points behind Tottenham and Newcastle, who are tied for fourth.

If Arsenal win this match, they will certainly qualify for Champions League football next season, while a defeat for the Blues would severely cripple their chances of doing the same.

Let's look at the three players under the most pressure to succeed.

Robin Van Persie, Arsenal

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has been the Premier League's best player this season and leads all scorers with 27 goals.

Van Persie has shouldered much of the scoring burden for the Gunners, and most times, he has come through with some massively important goals.

However, he cannot beat a talented squad like Chelsea all by himself. Arsenal's midfielders must put the Dutch striker into positions where he can punish the Blues defense.

In a match that could be low-scoring, Van Persie must come up big for his team.

Didier Drogba, Chelsea

The Ivorian striker scored Chelsea's only goal in their Champions League semifinal first-leg victory against Barcelona on Wednesday, and he must use his size and strength to be effective against the Arsenal defense.

Against a Gunners back four that has looked shaky at times this season, Drogba could give the Blues a massive boost with an early goal.

This is the kind of match that Drogba dominates. He has been a reliable player in the past when the stakes are high.

If he plays well and gives the Arsenal defense fits throughout the match, Chelsea will have a great chance to take all three points.

Theo Walcott, Arsenal

The speedy Arsenal winger is very inconsistent, but there's no question that he is very talented. His pace and ability to finish in front of goal makes him a dangerous player when he's on top of his game.

Walcott often disappears in matches if he's not involved early, so it will be important for the Gunners to make sure the Englishman sees the ball in the first few minutes. 

If Arsenal want to dominate the flanks, Walcott will have to make quality runs into the attacking third of the pitch and put pressure on the Chelsea defense.

Follow @NicholasGoss35