Time to shut the noisy neighbours up.

Afternoon guys

So, Carling Cup action tonight against our tiny neighbours down the road. I'm sure you've all heard the likes of van der Vaart, Defoe, and 'arry blabber on about how they are now bigger than us. I can't be hooped finding the links but it's worth a read purely for the laugh factor. Like Sir Alex Ferguson stated last year, the only way to shut up your rivals is not by retaliating in the papers, but winning football matches on the large green area. Let's hope we do the same.

The reliable Young Guns claim that only three youngsters are in the squad for tonight's game. The three youngsters are Craig Eastmond, Henri Lansbury and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. I expect Lansbury and Emmanuel-Thomas to start, with Eastmond on the bench. Naming only three players is a bold move by Wenger, but a very pleasing decision. If we played a youthful team right the way through the team, we would get destroyed. In these games, we need experience, as history has already told us.

I don't agree that Wenger has rested his principles either, as if you progress, and get a home tie, I fully expect the youth team to line up again. Losing this game, by a heavy margin anyway, could have serious implications on the team, and Wenger knows it.

So tonight, I'm pleased we will have a strong team out. The likes of Eboue, Denilson, Squillaci, Djourou and Rosicky should play. Vela can expect his first start of the season along with Fabianski, both players wanting to impress for different reasons. It can only bode well for tonight.

The JET

The player I'm mostly looking forward to is Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. I've never seen a player of his size have so much flair and skill. If he can up his work-rate, he will be an awesome asset for Arsenal. He's started the season on fire for the reserves, netting four goals in three appearances. His goal against the City elite (or whatever ridiculous name theyve called it) was very Wilshere-esque. Wenger rates him highly, but also suggests he needs to up his desire and hunger for the game.

Also from Young Guns, a worrying article surrounding Wojciech Szczesny. He claims broken promises behind the reasons he's wanting to leave. At 20 years old, he needs to be patient. Like the majority of gooners, I have high hopes for the kid. Let's just hope the interview has got lost in translation.

Arsene Wenger has accepted the ban from the farcical FA, meaning he will be in the stands for tonight's clash. He will be protected from the disgusting chants of those thugs, but nevertheless I feel his absence is going to be sorely missed. I like Pat Rice, Arsenal through and through, but seeing him controlling the team on the sidelines isn't how I'd prefer things. Maybe Steve Bould will get a call up?

That's it for today. I'll be in the pub tonight, cheering on the boys. Enjoy the game wherever you are.

Keep the faith.