Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Surging Blues in Must-Win Scenario at the Emirates

Chelsea have lost only one match since Roberto Di Matteo took over for Andre Villas-Boas.

It has been a remarkable turnaround, one nobody truly expected, and it has powered the Blues into position for a chance to compete in the UEFA Champions League final this year and possibly qualify again for next year's tournament via Premier League play, and they're in the FA Cup final as well.

The Stamford Bridge outfit upset Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA semis this past week, only a few days after they dominated rivals Tottenham in the FA Cup semis.

Now they travel to the Emirates this weekend with a chance to vault back into the top four of the Premier League after falling all the way down to sixth.

Again, a remarkable turnaround, as Di Matteo has led them to only one loss in 13 games since taking over.

Their opponent this weekend, rival Arsenal up in North London, has also had a fair bit of surprising success this season behind league-leading goal scorer Robin van Persie.

It wasn't so long ago that manager Arsene Wenger's hesitancy to move players this summer nearly brought about their downfall, but the Frenchman has rallied this club, and they currently sit in third in the table.

Chelsea lost to the Gunners 5-3 the first time they played back in October at the Bridge, but this is a different squad on a different mission with massive implications involved.

This sense of urgency is nothing new for Chelsea, not since Di Matteo took over, and they'll be just as comfortable as the road dogs in the Emirates as they would be as home favorites at the Bridge; right now, Chelsea is performing at a different level.

The question is whether or not Arsenal, who are coming off an ugly loss to Wigan, can contend at this level.