This fixture feels a little strange for me right now, I fully understand and appreciate the kids learning and featuring in this competition, you get to almost enjoy the matches without the same pressure as you would feel when watching the first team

Tonight’s Carling cup clash really could well take on more of an Arsenal supporters vs Tottenham supporters feel to it this evening. Arsene has already allocated the Carling cup for developmental purposes and now Tottenham for once have bigger fish to fry if perhaps only for the short term.

It has been a case of cat and mouse from the Tottenham manager, hinting that he will play a weaker team but as we know any chance of a Tottenham victory over their superior rivals then they may just want to take it and field a strong team.

As for the Gunners, Arsene has some interesting options to choose from. The first team fringe players such as Carlos Vela, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou are likely to start the game.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who made such an impact in pre season could be given the lead role in the central striking role. With Carlos Vela likely to be running off him from the left wing, it looks like we could be potentially very dangerous offensively.

Wenger will have to decide which first team players will be brought in without risking injury to a squad that already has a list of casualties.

I would imagine that Denilson will start as he hasn’t played very much so far this season. Emmanuel Eboue will start but we will have to wait as see as to where he slots in, capable of both right back and right attacking positions. That choice will depend on where Craig Eastmond will end up, that is assuming that the versatile Englishman will start.

Henri Lansbury is another option that could well figure tonight but it remains to be seen if he will start from the beginning of from the bench.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

This fixture feels a little strange for me right now, I fully understand and appreciate the kids learning and featuring in this competition, you get to almost enjoy the matches without the same pressure as you would feel when watching the first team. But then this is Tottenham and their is a small matter of revenge to be had after the last Carling cup meeting at White Hart Lane.

 One to watch: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Jay has been on fire in the reserves and is clearly head and shoulders above that level at the moment, but finding a regular spot in this Arsenal squad will be a far harder task. If he wants to show the boss what he can do then a strong performance and goal at our rivals would be a great place to start.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 2 (Emmanuel-Thomas, Wilshere)

I have no idea what to expect as I do not have an idea which teams will be selected tonight. If Tottenham play their strongest side then I fear for the youngsters but whatever happens tonight, it will be valuable experience to the talented players we have coming through.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.