Diaby Just One Of Many Incredible Options For Wenger

Arsenal vs Southampton Match Preview - Capital One Cup - 23.09.14

After that awesome display from the Gunners at Villa over the weekend and a game that provided the perfect response to our defeat at Dortmund, we are heading into this midweek Capital One Cup fixture on a high.

This cup fixture is also one in which our ‘second’ string players will get a chance to shine, staking a claim to those hard fought first team starting spots. I use the term second string loosely - those who may feature in this cup match, are all worthy of first team spots on their day.

Our squad is in very healthy shape, and even if Wenger decides to retain his previous past attitude to this competition and play a second string side, this season is going to be one of our strongest showings ever. Personally, I would love to see us have a good run in this contest and claim another piece of silverware. Some folks may think of the League Cup as a waste of time, but I would rather it be sat in our trophy cabinet that anywhere else.

As you all know, we are up against Southampton, who so far this season have been no push-overs in the league, despite losing several of their talented squad over the summer. Our very own Calum Chambers may not line up to face his old team tonight (Tuesday) but rest assured, the Arsenal ‘reserves’ will give their Premiership counterparts a good game.

The potential that Wenger can utilise in this game is inspiring, and I would expect there to be a healthy mix of experience and young enthusiasm in his team. Pride is at stake, and players like Rosicky and Podolski, who have so far enjoyed limited game time, will surely be keen to demonstrate why they are still worthy of those first team places. Several fringe players may also get some game time, with Chuba Akpom and Issac Hayden set to make some first team appearances, along side Hector Bellarin; he’ll be one player keen to make amends for the performance in Germany, back in front of the home fans.

And don’t forget there is still the talents of Joel Campbell, who so far hasn’t featured, despite a promising pre-season. Will we see a Sano-goal? Will Diaby be back to his best? Is David Ospina set for his first start in the Arsenal Jersey? OH, and I almost forgot Serge Gnabry and Gedion Zelalem… The choices, the choices…

Southampton won’t be a soft touch in this game, and the Gunners are going to have to perform to get the result they want. Our squad is strong, confidence is high and we have the Emirates advantage. Let’s hope for the performance to match and a swift journey into the next round.

LAST 3 Meetings

• Southampton 2 – 2 Arsenal (Premiership Jan 2014)
• Arsenal 2 – 0 Southampton (Premiership Nov 2013)
• Southampton 1 – 1 Arsenal (Premiership Jan 2013)

FACTFILE

• Arsenal have played Southampton a total of 84 times over the years, victorious on 44 occasions and honours even 24 times.
• Arsenal have only lost 16 times to Southampton. Ever.
• The last time Arsenal faced Southampton in a cup contest was the 2003 FA Cup. We won that game 1-0.
• Arsenal have faced Southampton 3 times in the League Cup over the years and have always won through to the next round, including replays. (Figures taken from www.11v11.com)

INJURIES

At the time of writing , Olivier Giroud, Ignacio Monreal, and Mathieu Debuchy are all out of action for extended periods. Theo Walcott and Yaya Sanogo are expect to return to action any day now, but this match may be a touch too soon for Theo.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI (4-3-3)

Ospina, Bellerin, Hayden, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Zelalem, Diaby, Rosicky, Gnabry, Campbell, Akpom.

On the bench: Podolski, Flamini, Sanogo, Koscielny, Chambers, Coquelin. NB: If I am honest, I haven’t got a clue who Wenger is going to play, especially in midfield and attack. The choice Wenger has is awesome.

GOONERSPHERE'S PREDICTION

Arsenal 3 – 1 Southampton

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