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1 comment January 22nd, 2008
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Carling Cup Preview: Strong Squad for Spurs Showdown
Add comment January 22nd, 2008
Here is the sixteen man squad to face Spurs at White Hart Lane:
2 Abou DIABY
3 Bacary SAGNA
4 Cesc FABREGAS
9 EDUARDO
10 William GALLAS
13 Alexander HLEB
15 DENILSON
16 Mathieu FLAMINI
19 GILBERTO
21 Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)
25 Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26 Nicklas BENDTNER
30 Armand TRAORE
31 Justin HOYTE
32 Theo WALCOTT
40 Vito MANNONE (GK)
It’s an unusually strong set of players, with Arsene including almost all available first-team members, with the exception of Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky. It’s a decision that has been in part enforced by injuries and the African Cup of Nations, but is also a clear statement of intent on Arsene’s part.
I’d expect that the team that starts the match will still be relatively inexperienced. Fabianski will play in goal, and I’d imagine Justin Hoyte will partner William Gallas at centre-back. The full-backs are both likely to be French – Sagna and Traore. In midfield, Gilberto and Denilson will be flanked by Abou Diaby and one other – Aleksandr Hleb currently seems the most likely candidate. Theo Walcott should get a rare chance upfront alongside Danish giant Nicklas Bendtner.
Our unbeaten run against Spurs is at stake, as well as (let’s not forget) a place in a Wembley final. I fancied Spurs to win it until I saw the strength of our squad, and I think that if the youngsters can stay in touch, the likes of Adebayor and Fabregas could make a huge difference in the latter stages of the game.
One thing is certain: we can’t play much worse than we did in the first leg, and I’m not sure they can play any better. It’s game on, and we’ve got every chance. Come on Arsenal.
