Match Preview: Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (Carling Cup)

Let the quest for Silver begin

As is Carling Cup tradition, Arsene Wenger will blood a host  of young guns this week as the third round Carling Cup match up kicks off at the Emirates Stadium

Arsene has already confirmed that his lineup will feature Polish wunder keeper Wojicech Szcznesy, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela, Sanchez Watt, Fran Merida, KIeran Gibbs, as well, as Shea, Sunu, Bartley, Coquelin, Freeman, Frimpong, Murphy, Hoyte, Eastmond, Barazite. Finally, the squad will have a bit of senior squad feel to it in the back as Mikhail Silvestre and Philippe Senderos will be asked to add some experience to the side.

The importance of the game experience isn’t lost on the likes of Senderos or Watt who are both vieing for more first team time:

“I train with the first team a lot, but it was great to get the chance to play in pre-season,” said Watt, who can operate out wide or in attack.

“However, I don’t want to be a name who just played in the Emirates Cup – I want to be there in Arsene Wenger’s mind.”

Watt added: “Arsene Wenger watches you off the ball too, so you have to be switched on, tactically and mentally.

“You just have to work hard.

“I hope to be picked for the Carling Cup and am just going to keep on trying. If I get the shout, I will try my best.

“It is about whoever is hot at that precise moment, and whoever gets that chance to do well.”

Last year at this time, Arsene’s young guns destroyed Sheffield United in what seemed to be a pre-season match. The final score line – 6-0.

West Brom currently sit on top of the table of the Championship. Under the direction of 1st season manager, Roberto Di Matteo the Championship side are playing a free form attacking football. West Brom come in on good form having won their last match against Middlesborough 5-0. Overall, inclduing rounds 1 and 2 of the Carling Cup, the Baggies come in without a defeat in their last 10 matches.

Team Facts Courtesy the BBC:

• Arsenal have beaten West Brom 60 times in all competitions. The Baggies have beaten Arsenal on 38 occasions and the clubs have drawn 28 times.

• Arsenal have won their last four meetings, including a 2-0 away victory in the third round of the League Cup three years ago.

• Albion last beat Arsenal in a cup competition when they knocked them out of the League Cup in 1969.

• They have not won at Arsenal for 26 years.

• This is the third time these clubs have been drawn together in the League Cup, and Albion are yet to score against Arsenal.

Players to Watch:

Its hard to say for Arsenal. There are so many budding stars on this team that each one will be trying to impress the boss. I figure it will be a 3 way tie between, Wilshere, Ramsey and Watt. These are a core of stud players in the making and they all possess some uncanny talents for players their age. Wilshere especially should shine as he is not only looking for more 1st team play but he is hoping to catch the eye of Fabio Capello and get a call up to the National Side.

West Brom goalkeeper Scott Carson is going to get tested often in this match. He will need an “A” game performance to move his side through.

Possible Starting XI:

Arsenal: Szcznesy, Senderos, Silvestre, Gibbs, Traore, Wilshere, Ramsey, Merida, Vela, Watt, Barazite

West Brom: Carson, Mattock, Olsson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Brunt, Thomas, Dorrans, Mulunbu, Bednar, Moore

How it will go down?

Attack, Attack, Attack. If this is the side Arsenal put on the field. I really like its make up. Its young, its quick and very talented. These are the future stars of Arsenal. If a period of success is coming on the backs of these guys it starts today. I figure the Baggies will be up for the challenge, however, the talent difference will be too great.  Figure the boys will play a typical Arsenal game which will be too much for WBA Scott Carson.

Final score: 2-0

As usual Game Day Chat will be on so that it the match can be discussed as it happens.