Robin Van Persie admires fairytale of golden Guus Hiddink

Robin van Persie has admitted he is wary of Guus Hiddink's Midas touch ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final showdown with Chelsea.

The 63-year-old Blues boss has won nine of his 12 games in charge since taking over in February and guided Chelsea into the last four of the Champions League.

Van Persie scored both goals as the Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 in the League last November but the Dutch striker fears they face an altogether tougher proposition at Wembley tomorrow now his fellow countryman is at the helm.

"The first thing I thought when he came was 'Oh no! He will win something', because he is unbelievable," said the 25-year-old.

"I saw him two years ago in Holland because we use the same physio.

"I asked him: 'Can I see your hands?' and he said: 'Yes, why?'. I said: 'Because everything you put your hand on turns to gold'. He was laughing, and he is fantastic."

Arsenal face a defensive crisis with Kieran Gibbs struggling to be fit with a groin problem and Bacary Sagna battling to overcome illness.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and defenders William Gallas, Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy are already ruled out but Van Persie (right) instead highlighted Chelsea's own frailties at the back.

"That is what I noticed as well, in the last two games they conceded seven goals," he said.

Van Persie is expected to sign a new contract in the summer now Arsenal look likely to qualify for next season's Champions League and he added: "I think the main thing is that Arsenal really want to extend it and I want to extend it as well."