Who Should Start When Arsenal Take On Liverpool in the League Cup?

The League or Carling Cup is a competition where Arsene Wenger allows his exciting young prospects to show their potential and receive some valuable experience. Every year we witness some amazing talent from these young guns, and despite the team boasting an average age of 18-21, Arsenal always seem to come agonisingly close to League Cup success.

After an impressive 2-0 win over West Bromwhich Albion, the youngster's now face a tough Liverpool side. This will be a huge challenge for the youngsters but also a great opportunity to showcase their talent and ability to handle big games.

Who Should Start

Goal Keeper

With the current keeper situation, it's hard to establish who is Arsenal "first choice" keeper. However, with Italian Vito Mannone featuring on the weekend against West Ham and Manuel Almunia likely to be given the keeping role against Tottenham, it is likely to come down to the two Polish talents: Lukas Fabianski and Wojciech Szczęsny.

Fabianski, who has been out injured for the past four months, could be given the job to regain some confidence. However, 19-year-old sensastion Wojciech Szczęsny performed impressively last round and has the ability to become an outstanding keeper. Either way one will start the other will play the backup role.

Defenders

The League Cup is a glorious chance for experienced center halves Mikeal Silvestre and Philippe Senderos to grab some serious game time and prove they are capable of performing in the Premiership and Europe.

Hammersmith born right back Kerrea Gilbert, who has spent the last few years out away on loan at various clubs, is likely to be given the right back role. The 22 is a doughty contributor and is a solid back up if Bacary Sagna was to become injured.

Promising sensation Kieran Gibbs, who Arsene Wenger believes is a future left back for England will undoubedtly feature on the left.

Midfielders

Arsene Wenger has whipped up an impressive batch of young midfielders who all have massive potential. Its hard to establish who will receive the starting roles but have money that wonder kid Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey will be among the starters. Francis Coquelin, who is consider a young Vieira/Makélélé, was another impressive performer last time out and with his strong tackling and passing game, he may feature.

Rumour had it Samir Nasri may make his return to the starting side in the League Cup, if true, Nasri may start as a winger or be injected of the bench. There are still the likes of Fran Merida, Mark Randall, Nacer Barazite, Armarnd Traore, and Emmanuel Frimpong who are all capable of starting.

Forwards

Wenger has also developed a handy amount of strikers. The Frenchmen may play three up front which could mean Carlos Vela, Sanchez Watts and Gilles Sunu making up the forward line. However, Sunu or Watts may start with either Merida, Barazite or Traore on the wings. Carlos Vela may also start on the bench.

Substitutes

Arsene Wenger can only have seven on his bench. Lukas Fabianski or Wojciech Szczęsny will take one place whilst the rest will be who ever does not start in the midfield. Most likely, Nacer Barazite, Armand Traore, Fran Merida and Emmanuel Frimpong. Depending on formation Gilles Sunu, Carlos Vela or Sanchez Watts could be on the bench. Luke Ayling could be on as a defensive backup.