Third Time Lucky For Young Guns?

Well, the day has arrived. Once again the young Gunners have reached a Carling Cup semi-final, but this time, with all due respect to Middlesbrough and Wigan, the opposition provides some added spice.

Tottenham, for all the ridicule we heap upon them, are developing. There has been a predictability about them in the last decade or so that has meant easy pickings for the big clubs.

There is now a new found fluidity to them. Huddlestone has a good range of passing, Malbranque gives them an unpredictable presence on the left or down the channels. For me though the key match-up could be Lennon against Armand Traore, assuming the young left back starts tonight.

There is a feeling that Arsenal will go with the same side that won so impressively in the quarter-final at Anfield. I have to confess I’m not so sure that Cesc Fabregas will be risked with so much at stake in the Premiership, Champions League, and FA Cup.

That could mean the return of Diaby for his first appearance since his horror injury at Sunderland. He was just starting to look another special signing by Wenger before breaking his ankle, and if Le Boss thinks he is ready then I’m sure he will play.

Aliadiere and Baptista were a revelation at Anfield and should be given the chance to repeat their heroics. If Tottenham do have an achilles heel it is the inconsistency at the back, possibly the result of Paul Robinson not being at his best this term. Jeremie and the Beast are just the pairing to take full advantage.

Spurs confidence is fragile at best, as we saw at the Grove in December. Their strong line-up will feel the added pressure of expectation. The faithful at the Lane will not react well if they are not able to impose themselves on youthful opponents.

It is indeed a fascinating contest in prospect. Logic says that the hosts should be too strong, I’m not so sure. I rather fancy that Arsenal could leave with a share of the spoils tonight. The Gunners have momentum, regardless of the eleven who will start, and they have developed a winning habit in recent weeks. Come on you reds!