Predicting the Arsenal Starting 11 for Their Carling Cup Match Against Wigan

Arsenal encounter Wigan Athletic in the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup as the Gunners aim to strengthen their trophy aspirations.

Arsene Wenger's men have been tremendous in their opening two matches of the prestigious domestic tournament with Wenger establishing a perfect match of youngsters, fringe players and experience.

Predominantly the French tactician has utilized the competition to give his highly renowned youngsters key playing time, enabling his young guns to gain valuable experience.

The youngster factor worked consistently for Arsenal, with the young Gunners always advancing to the quarterfinals. However, the Gunners have always lacked the clinical finish to actually win the Cup.

But this season could prove differently due to the Gunners' immense hunger to finally eradicate their five-year trophy drought. The North London giants have already seen off rivals Tottenham and Newcastle United so far and have done so in convincing fashion, but now Arsenal face a determined Wigan outfit who will be eager to knock out such a big name as Arsenal.

Whether Wenger will continue to utilize some youngsters and fringe players or go all out with a first team squad remains to be unseen. Nonetheless, let's establish a starting XI.

Goalkeeper

As with most domestic Cup competitions, Arsene Wenger will use the reserve keeper. However Arsenal's current keeping conundrum ensures it is hard to establish just who is the deputy keeper. Current first choice Lukasz Fabianski will not feature, which means boom youngster Wojciech Szczesny and predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia will contest for the starting role.

Almunia has not featured due to a persistent injury suffered in September. However, the Spaniard has now returned to full fitness and recently completed 45 minutes for the Arsenal reserves.

However, the highly touted youngster Szczesny featured in the last round of the Carling Cup and showed great promise. The Polish shot stopper, who is considered the heir to the Arsenal No. 1 keeper role by Wenger, has complained this season of lack of opportunities alongside threatening to depart the Emirates in January.

Szczesny is likely to win out with Almunia deputizing. However, it could easily chance.

Defenders

Arsene Wenger has admitted Thomas Vermaelen's persistent Achilles injury is still a mystery as to why it has kept the Belgium centre half and defensive leader absent since August. Vermaelen is unlikely to feature, meaning Johan Djourou will play, having not started in the Gunners' weekend win against Aston Villa.

The imposing Swiss is likely to partner Laurent Koscielny in the heart of the Arsenal defence. Emmanuel Eboue is injured with a ligament injury suffered last week. The Ivorian would've been a certain starter in place of Bacary Sagna at right back, but his injury ensures Havard Nordtveit, the immensely touted Norwegian youngster, will make his long awaited Arsenal debut.

The 20-year-old Nordtveit has spent the last three seasons away on loan around Europe in order to gain experience.

Gael Clichy performed on Saturday and will be rested at left back for Kieran Gibbs.

Midfielders

Wenger is likely to field a strong midfield despite the weekend match against Fulham. Captain Cesc Fabregas is still nursing a hamstring injury and will not feature. Samba star Denilson featured prematurely against Aston Villa and will start in the midfield beside English starlet Craig Eastmond, who will deputize for Alexandre Song in the defensive midfielder role.

Imposing midfielder Abou Diaby is close to full fitness after a persistent ankle injury that has seen the Frenchman miss over a month of football. However, Diaby is unlikely to start but may make the bench. Tomas Rosicky is likely to start in the right attacking midfield role as well as captain the side in Fabregas' absence.

Jack Wilshere is also a candidate to play in the midfield but is likely to be rested along with Samir Nasri.

Forwards

The Carling Cup gives Wenger the perfect opportunities to reintroduce players returning from injury. Robin van Persie has yet to start for the Gunners since suffering an ankle injury sustained in August. The Dutch maestro may start on the bench but is certain to feature at some point.

Carlos Vela should receive a rare start on the left wing in place of the rested Andrei Arshavin, and Theo Walcott is likely to start on the right.

Nicklas Bendtner didn't feature against Villa and has expressed his discontent at the lack of playing time. The Danish sharpshooter should start as the lone striker despite van Persie's presence. Marouane Chamakh is set to be rested. Promising youngster Jay Emmanuel-Thomas should make the bench.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Manuel Almunia should be the deputy keeper, while Bacary Sagna should be included as an emergency defender, with Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Samir Nasri or Andrei Arshavin the backup attackers.

So can Arsenal continue their impressive League Cup form and advance to the semifinals, or will Roberto Martinez's doughty Wigan halt the Gunners' progress?