Samir Nasri was replaced for Andrey Arshavin with 15 minutes to go against Wigan on the weekend, so that could hint at the managers thinking. Nasri started at Elland Road in Cesc Fabregas’ position and could well take up that position once again

Cup football returns tonight at the Emirates this evening, Ipswich Town come with the aim of protecting their precious one goal advantage that they gained at Portman road. Arsenal’s disappointing performance two weeks ago means that the players will have to be on the front foot from the very first whistle, the opposition have something to hold onto and will probably be looking to park the tractor in front of their goalkeeper for as long as possible.

Arsene will rotate the team a little but not as much as he did in the first leg, the momentum of the first team will be needed to put Ipswich under pressure and pull them around. Manchester City’s expensively assembled side struggled to maintain the pass and movement from a hungry Arsenal side on a big pitch, so it will require a massive effort from the Championship side, if they are to stop Arsenal from scoring tonight.

Paul Jewell and his players will be hoping and praying that the whispers of Van Persie being rested to the bench are true, Chamakh will be his likely replacement as the spearhead of the team. Cesc Fabregas has played plenty of football in recent weeks, including the first leg in Suffolk, so I would not be at all surprised to see our captain also taking his place on the bench.

Samir Nasri was replaced for Andrey Arshavin with 15 minutes to go against Wigan on the weekend, so that could hint at the managers thinking. Nasri started at Elland Road in Cesc Fabregas’ position and could well take up that position once again.

Theo Walcott was not involved at Leeds so I expect him to be fresh enough to start once more. I would consider replacing Bacary Sagna for the more adventurous Emmanuel Eboue at right back as I expect much of the stream of play to be in the opponents half, Eboue’s powerful running and dribbling could open up spaces for Theo come inside.

Our center back duo who have been exceptional in recent weeks may be asked to struggle through for one more 90+ minutes before the return of Squillaci. If not then Alex Song could be on hand to give one of them a breather, more likely to be Johan Djourou.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Marouane Chamakh

If he manages to get a start as center forward then he needs to produce the goods and impress. He has had a fantastic first season but has tailed off in recent weeks, I hope he can find that spark that he brought to the team in August and September. One thing is for sure, he will give everything he has to put the Ipswich defence under pressure, work rate is certainly something you can never fault Chamakh for. We need his link up play to be decisive and quick, he needs to combine well with Theo Walcott and probably Andrey Arshavin

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction:

Arsenal 4 (Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott, Bendtner) Ipswich 1

A place at Wembley is at stake, with the chance of silverware almost in touching distance. I am hoping for a similar start to the game as we witnessed against both Manchester City and Wigan on the weekend. What we need to improve on is our ability to take our chances when they come. Wigan will want to frustrate us early and then grow into the game, so an early goal for Arsenal will be vitally important.

I have the feeling that Ipswich are going to score, so we need to score as many as we can in the first half. If things are not going to plan then at least we have Cescman and Robin to rescue the day. Lets hope it doesn’t come to that.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.