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Arsenal will look to move one step closer to avenging their disastrous Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Birmingham City in last years final when they go up against Manchester City at the quarter final stage on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.
The last gasp defeat at Wembley last year is widely accredited as being the source of Arsenal’s spectacular capitulation last year as they tumbled from being in contention for four trophies to continuing their six year long search for silverware to add to their 2005 FA Cup triumph.
Both sides were held to 1-1 draw in the Premier League over the weekend as the busy Christmas schedule gathers pace, and with both teams appearing to feel the effects of their mid-week exertions in the Champions League, both Arsene Wenger and City boss look set to ring the changes and give younger players the chance to shine and fire their respective sides into the semi-finals.
Indeed, Wenger expressed his growing concerns over the fitness of some of his leading players, describing the work load of Aaron Ramsey, Robin an Persie and Theo Walcott as being large enough to move the trio into the “red zone” as the Frenchman called it.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chu Young Park and Emmanuel Frimpong are set to get a run out against the current league leaders, while Mancini has such strength in depth in his squad that to describe the team he is likely to field as youngsters would do a disservice to the plethora of internationals set to take to the pitch.
Nedum Onuha, Gael Clichy, Stuart Taylor and Wayne Bridge should all feature for the visitors as they look to follow up their FA Cup success last year with more silverware this year.
The focus for much attention in the build up has been upon Samir Nasri, following the Frenchman’s acrimonious departure from Arsenal over the summer. While Wenger has implored the home support to focus their energy on driving his side to victory rather than hounding their former hero, he is still likely to be given something of a warm welcome when he steps onto the pitch at the Emirates.
Striker Mario Balotelli is suspended after his somewhat soft red card in the stalemate with Liverpool at Anfield, while England international Gareth Barry will also be missing because of a suspension.
Match Winner
In what should be a tight encounter, the league leaders are the team bookmakers are tipping to make the semi finals.
The Gunners are 30.10 (21/10) with VC Bet to take the win and progress while City are 2.38 (11/8) with Paddy Power to take the win, perhaps somewhat reflective of the relative strength of the line ups expected to take to the field.
The draw after 90 minutes is 3.50 (5/2) with VC Bet.
First Goalscorer
With experimental line ups expected to take to the field, the first goalscorer market is particularly difficult to predict.
Of the youngsters, Chu-Young Park is the favourite to open the scoring at 9.00 (8/1) with Bet365, while team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is 13.00 (12/1) with Paddy Power to get proceedings under way.
For City Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are both placed at 7.00 (6/1) with SkyBet, with the Bosnian more likely to play.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Edin Dzeko, 7.00 (6/1) SkyBet
Correct score: 2-0 Manchester City, 13.00 (12/1) William Hill
