Theo Walcott is one player who needs minutes and sharpness will surely start on the right of an attacking three, I am interested to see how a possible battle between Wayne Bridge and the speedy Theo develops

Tonights game couldn’t come soon enough for Arsene Wenger and his troops, it must have felt like the longest three days in the clubs history, it may not be the regular eleven that step out onto the pitch but you feel that Arsene will certainly add some experience to the side that start at middle-eastlands.

Generally the Carling cup is relaxed viewing for us Gooners, a chance to see the youngsters step up and show us what to expect in the future. Previous games have normally been at the comfort of the Emirates stadium this time we are facing a side that have poured astronomical amounts of cash on the playing staff in the attempt to push City up the ladder of clubs fighting to be the best.

Manchester City have gone through a rather dodgy run drawing their last seven premier league matches, stretching back to the 28th September. Manchester City with their multi million strike force have not been able to outscore the likes of Birmingham, Burnley and Hull City so they will want to us this game to get them back on the right track.

The usual talent should come back into the side. Wilshere has returned from his recent set backs and should start, Aaron Ramsey and Craig Eastmond should feature after impressing in his first start in the holding role against Liverpool at the Emirates.

Theo Walcott is one player who needs minutes and sharpness will surely start on the right of an attacking three, I am interested to see how a possible battle between Wayne Bridge and the speedy Theo develops. Theo looked rusty when he came on against Chelsea and suffered from his runningintoopposition syndrome as well as ballstuckunderfeetcystis. Theo needs games, he needs confidence and once he gets that he can make a massive difference to our options in attack.

Theo Walcott has the ability to score goals, stretch the opposition and get in behind the full back. He will also be a terrific outlet for the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey. Hopefully playing away from home on the big Eastlands pitch.

I am very interested to know who gets picked for the left back position with so many injuries in that position. Can Wenger risk his last first team option in the Carling Cup? Perhaps Arsene will give Eboue the role to see if he can do the job should the unthinkable happen and Traore pulls up with an injury to join his left footed team mates on the side lines.

Arsene has included Rosicky but I would rather they sat on the bench and could be called upon if needed. Rosicky is in need of games so perhaps he could be given a run out from the start but then which of the youngsters would be left out? Merida needs games, Wilshere should expect to start.

As usual I expect our team, young or not to have the lion share of the possession and hopefully we will have enough pace and mobility to cause the City back line who have not been playing well lately, some real problems. The concerns I have is our center backs against the power and pace of Emmanuel Adebayor, and energy of Carlos Tevez should he start. Alex Song should slot back into central defence as Senderos has been left out of the squad

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

It should be quite an open exciting game with the Arsenal kids playing without fear. I am hoping the home support get restless seeing a bunch of teenagers keep the ball away from them for long spells then we can strike with our quick attacking players.