Blackburn vs. Arsenal Reserves Preview 18 December, 2007

It’s an extremely young and inexperienced squad that travelled up to Blackburn today for tonight’s Carling Cup clash. Only Nicklas Bendtner and Phil Senderos we in the squad of two days ago. With players still recovering from the Chelsea game and with Spurs on Saturday it was always going to be a young team.

I’m not expecting us to win this one, I have to say. You have to think that Blackburn will be far too strong for such a young side. However, you can’t be so sure. They’ll play with so much determination and they will be fearless. They’ve got nothing to lose and they probably realise they will be big underdogs, but I bet they’ll be proud to represent the first team and they’ll do their very best.

The bigger names in the squad include Diaby, Senderos, Diarra, Eduardo, Denilson and Bendtner. Theo Walcott was due to start but he was unwell today and was excluded. Here’s my guess at the team then:

When I actually pick a team, I think that group of 11 players could beat Blackburn and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise ever. It’s a very young bench though, but I bet they’ll be dying to get on the pitch. I’ve gone for Randall at right midfield; don’t ask me why, I don’t know either.

Man of the Match Gael Clichy gets rested for Armand Traore. Arsene’s been talking about him saying how much he’s matured and he’d have no hesitation starting him in the Premier League if something happened to Clichy. I like Traore too; I hope he does well tonight.

I’m sure Blackburn will go with a full strength squad and they’ll fancy themselves for this. I’m not too bothered if they win, I’ll get over it. However if we win it’d be amazing. Not just because I want us to do well in this competition, but I’d love to see the look on Robbie Savage’s face when he’s beaten by a load of kids.

I’m quite looking forward to this now. Good luck to the kids. Thanks for reading.