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Even assuming Barca do beat us (I'm guessing they'll tank us 3-0 in the Nou Camp and we'll win 2-0 at Anfield and come so close but yet so far) that means we only have the league to worry about, and should be able to secure a CL place, something you Arsenal fans should know isn't easy. Out of the title race? Yes, unless something crazy happens to Manchester United, and things like that have happened in the past (hello Newcastle!) But consider this: We're only 8 points behind Chelsea. What with their thinning squad, with replacements in January unlikely, and their participation in all 3 cup competitions wearing them down, who's to say we can't catch them? Especially if we beat them at Anfield next week, cutting the gap to just 5 points. I can't see Man U falling apart - the title is theirs to lose really - but Chelsea, well, you can see the cracks forming already. I'd be happy with 2nd place, even if it meant no silverware.
The advantage of being able to focus entirely on the league is certainly a factor, and it's for that reason that I can see you taking third place this year. However, once Chelsea have got their big players back, they'll almost certainly recover. They've been scoring pretty regularly even in the game where they've dropped points (their draw against Villa the other week was the first time they've failed to score this league season) so when their big defensive players return they'll start winning games again. Admittedly, you've got a decent chance against them next week, but across the whole season your problem is the same as ours: You don't seem to be able to beat teams week in, week out. That's why a top two finish seems like wishful thinking for either of our sides at the moment. 
