Carling Cup: Tottenham v Arsenal Preview

Whilst the Carling Cup is not high on the priority list, it seems beating Tottenham might just be important for Arsene. Nobody I have spoken with is taking this evening lightly despite the fact that it is very much a meeting of two ‘reserve’ sides. There is a suggestion that the squad which goes to White Hart Lane will contain more first choice players than usual at this stage of the contest but fitness issues dictate this to a certain extent. Vermaelen’s absence, coupled with loans and Nordtveit’s niggle require Squillaci or Koscielny to start in. The latter would be my guess simply on being younger, perhaps able to recover from two games a week quicker than the more senior partner.

The squad system in use for the Premier League will have an impact upon the Carling and FA Cups. Players who are not getting regular matches are likely to be used for those competitions, perhaps this was an expected by-product of the rule changes? Either way, it would be a surprise if Wenger opted for a totally inexperienced line-up. Indeed, can he field one? Those who are not regulars on Premier or Champions League matchdays have typically been loaned out or played for their countries at junior levels. Whilst that is not the same as first team football, it is a solid base for their footballing education.

It seems unlikely that the three youngsters mentioned in the report linked above, will not play; the question is where. Eastmond is by trade a defender although Wenger has used him in central midfield for his first team outings. Playing at right back tonight though is a real possibility with Eboue being pushed further up the pitch to support the midfield, supporting Lansbury and Denilson.

The Brazilian is almost certain to start, the match assisting in his return to the Premier League squad. Cesc ‘tweeted’ last night that his injury is likely to keep him out for a fortnight, Chelsea presumably the targetted game for recovery. That this channel was chosen to ‘leak’ that information suggests that it is accurate, the belief being that it is a result of conversations with the Arsenal medical staff rather than being based on Theo Walcott’s inaccurate feeling about his knock in Switzerland.

Harry Redknapp has been critical of Arsenal and others in the past for fielding a weakened team in this competition. The realityof the pressures of the Champions League have bitten and the Tottenham manager admitted yesterday that it will be a much-changed team that takes to the pitch this evening. Despite this, the fixture is no less important to supporters and ex-players. The League Cup has brought about some favourite and depressing memories, the 5-1 drubbing wrankles with me as I’m sure do the semi-final defeats for Tottenham. Perhaps the tannoy announcer could spike the evening once more by telling them how to apply for tickets for the next round. It worked wonders as inspiration for George Graham in 1987…

For Lukasz Fabianski, it offers a path to redemption. Roundly criticised for his performances last season, there is a growing feeling that he is in the last chance saloon. Whilst his predicament is nowhere near that certain, this is the last season where his position as second choice goalkeeper is going to be unchallenged. Szczesny’s progress has almost demanded inclusion tonight but like Keiran Gibbs, his lack of experience counts against him at this moment in time. Whether or not this changes next summer, only time will tell but it seems that he will be on course for the first team squad if things remain as they are.

Fabianski needs a good game. He did well in pre-season, aside from a manic forty-five minutes in Poland, which seemed to make up Wenger’s mind to start with Almunia. That and the failure to land Mark Schwarzer. Shay Given has reportedly been told that he can leave Manchester City in January which will no doubt intensify the calls and speculation for his signature. It is a high pressure environment for the Pole but that is how Wenger rightly believes it should be at Arsenal. Almunia responded positively to the summer activity; Fabianski needs to do the same.

The team I would expect to see tonight is:

Fabianksi; Eastmond, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs; Wilshere, Denilson, Lansbury; Eboue, Thomas, Vela

Rosicky might play in place of Wilshere but it seems unlikely with his injury record that he would be risked for essentially two consecutive games. Fabregas’ injury gave the Czech an hour at the Stadium of Light and his experience tonight would be invaluable. However, the possibility of a niggle ahead of the coming fixtures, especially with the captain being out makes the inclusion of Rosicky and even Nasri, from the start unlikely.

Arsene may or may not be there. Should he accept the charges laid against him by the FA in their desire to please the media, he would be banned tonight. If he accepts them or fails to appeal by Thursday, he missed WBA. That may be more convenient as it is a home game and lets be honest, the first XI ought to be able to manage themselves. He would be in the stands anyway, in contact with the bench, rendering the touchline ban useless. A stadium ban would be a more effective signal were the FA intent on restoring order but they are only happy pandering to PR.

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