Carling Cup – Chance for Silverware by March!
Bendtner celebrating a goal against Sheffield United last year
I know most Gooners don’t give a damn about this cup. Until Wenger selected the superkids, we were largely indifferent. But tell me you didn’t care when we finished runners up in 2007 and I’ll say you are lying.
Of course I care. That day not only happened to the day Arsenal lost in the final, but it was also my birthday. Oops. As usual we played well but somehow manage to lose and then it all got ugly. The kids were fighting and scrapy against an arrogant bunch of footballing smurfs.
Last year it looked so good when we demolished Sheffield united and Wigan at home. Then we went to Burnley’s Turf Moor and it fell apart. We didn’t play that badly again but made fatal defensive mistakes and were wasteful in front of goal.
A youthful XI will once again start against West Brom tonight. I’m liking the idea of Traore and Gibbs in the same team and they will cause enough havoc on the left flank if they both play. The return of Senderos is an exciting prospect as well. Of course he is no youngster but at 24 he is hardly a veteran. I think he has been harshly treated so it is the perfect chance for him to show he is a stronger character.
Vela returns and that is good, good news. Expect a chip-like effort from him. Wilshere will start and I hope he gets the whole game especially as League Football opportunities are not swift in coming. The same could be said of Ramsey, but at least he has had sub appearances. When I see the goals he has scored at U-21 level for Wales, I see a lad high in confidence. This same confidence needs to be transfered in Ramsey’s Arsenal performances.
From an experience point of view, it would be nice to see Rosicky start in midfield. As the youth around him will be energetic, his know-how in midfield will reassure and add strength to this team. Of course I don’t see Rosicky starting but it would be nice to.
West Brom won’t be easy, they demolished Middlesborough 5-0 at Teeside on Saturday. They have made a good start in the league under Martinez. Defensively they look more stronger as well. It will be a fascinating game, pity Sky aren’t showing it. Then again Leeds vs Liverpool
