Liverpool arrive at The Emirates this evening for a Carling Cup fixture that relieves the necessity to gaze into the aftermath of Upton Park. It is the opportunity for younger players to renew their acquaintance with a starting place and unusually for Wenger, injured first team ‘regulars’ to gain some much needed match sharpness.

Of course, injuries have prevented Wenger from picking the side that he would like to, it just wouldn’t be Arsenal otherwise. Traore misses out as does Jack Wilshere, who will perhaps be the most disappointing absentee. Still, I am sure that the returning Fabianski, Nasri, Eduardo and Bendtner will try to make up for that.

The Pole is in line to provide competition to Mannone and Almunia according to Wenger. Goalkeepers seem to vex more than most positions with the overhyped “world-class” prefix bandied around, forgetting that most title-winning sides make do with a decent first choice goalkeeper. The enhancements made to the balls these days are designed to favour outfield players whilst any goalkeeper is made to look distinctly average at times. The key thing is to minimise the number of occasions where that arises.

Tonight’s cast is a veritable riches for Arsene to choose from. The defence will largely pick itself with Kerrea Gilbert, Silvestre, Senderos and Kieron Gibbs expected to fill those spots. A midfield built around Samir Nasri should be expected with the Frenchman looking to gain more match sharpness ahead of this weekend’s derby with Tottenham. Alongside him will no doubt be Aaron Ramsey but then Wenger has to start looking at his options.

It would be a chance for Fran Merida to shine although the question would become about width since the three of them prefer to play narrower. That said, Nasri shone when in the wide attacking position so perhaps could do the same job tonight. Whether that would be the case when he returns to the major tournaments remains to be seen, Wenger arguing that Nasri would find it hard to displace Arshavin.

Up front, Bendtner and Eduardo will be vying for a place alongside Watt and Vela. It would be no surprise if Wenger started with both the more senior duo, the Dane’s experience on the right side of attack would leave Eduardo in the centre and Vela on the left.

Such a line-up would be hard on those who contributed to the win over West Brom in the last round but it is more important in the short term that those lacking match fitness get more playing time. Having a bench that includes Watt, Coquelin and Randall gives options for experience to be gained when tiredness kicks in, especially if extra-time looms. A win is a good morale booster for the whole squad and puts another nail in the coffin that this squad has little or no depth. Each season where more games are played in this competition puts those involved a step closer to being ready for the Premier and Champions Leagues. Certainly though each season brings more evidence that Arsenal are streets ahead of the rest of top four in pursuing a sustained and productive youth academy.

Away from the pitch, Stan Kroenke used his Asda credit card to buy some shares, choosing to pay the minimum monthly payment rather than all in one go no doubt. Whilst he edges closer to the takeover threshold, the silence will become even more deafening about his intentions for the club. With a bit of luck both he and Usmanov will realise that any takeover should happen once the season is over and after Arsene has done his shopping, lest anyone get the idea that Arsenal are loaded. Sometimes, the poverty-stricken chord repeated in the media can work in Wenger’s favour.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.