PREVIEW - Chelsea feeling invincible ahead of Arsenal clash

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - This time last year, Chelsea were looking forward to a Premier League clash with Arsenal after a storming start to the season under their high profile new manager.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men were top of the table on goal difference from Liverpool, with Manchester United trailing eight points behind with a game in hand.

Arsenal proved a turning point with Robin van Persie (now injured) scoring twice in the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Nov. 30. Brazilian Scolari was shown the door in February and the championship went to United.

Sunday's big match at the Emirates Stadium (1600 GMT) sees Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea back at the top and looking even more irresistible.

United are five points adrift, and Arsenal are a further three behind with a match in hand after ending a 14-match unbeaten run with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend.

Injury-troubled Liverpool, who play a Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday (1330), are seventh and fighting to stay among English soccer's big four after going out of the Champions League in midweek.

Chelsea, already safely through to the last 16 of the Champions League, have now embarked on a series of away games that could prove the key to their season while testing the credentials of their rivals.

After Arsenal, they must travel to Manchester City.