Arsenal take on Chelsea in the Capital One Cup tonight, a game that Jose Mourinho is already saying that Arsenal have an unfair advantage because they had one more day to rest than his side. That is just how football is Jose and you just have to deal with it!
It will be interesting to see how Wenger picks his side tonight. I am sure we will not have many of the first team regulars as they will be given a rest as we prepare to face Liverpool on Saturday in the Premier League. This game against Chelsea will give the fringe players a chance to taste some action and show Wenger that they deserve a spot in the current side. One player who will be raring to go tonight is skipper Thomas Vermaelen who is being kept out of the current side.
Looking ahead to the tie tonight, this is how I would like to see Arsenal line up:
I some how think that Wenger will continue with Szczesny in goal as this is a game we would like to win and having our best keep will help.
In defence, Carl Jenkinson is likely to come in for Bacary Sagna at right bck and give the Frenchman a break. Spaniard Nacho Monreal will most likely take up the left back role in place of Gibbs, while Thomas Vermaelen should come in at central defence in place of Per Mertesacker with Koscielny partnering the Arsenal captain. That is a solid enough back four to get the job done.
In the midfield, Arsenal will be without Arteta and Flamini for this match. Flamini has a groin injury while the Spaniard is suspended for this tie. So who then plays in the two holding midfield roles? I would like to see Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey there. Wilshere has been playing wide on the left but this will be a chance for him to play in his preferred central position.
Ahead of those two, Wenger has options aplenty but he should start with Carzola, Rosicky and Gnarby.
Olivier Giroud needs a rest so I do not expect him to start this one and Nicklas Bendtner is most likely going to get a rare starting nod.
So that is: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Monreal, Wilshere, Ramsey, Carzola, Rosicky, Gnarby, Bendtner
Who would you like to see starting tonight?