Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Don't Expect Fireworks in Carling Cup Quarterfinal

Arsenal and Manchester City are set to play their third match in approximately one week.

Technically, City is playing their third in eight days, but it is their third straight road fixture and second in two days. The Barclay's Premier League leaders just played a crucial league match at Anfield with Liverpool on the 27th, and they turn around today to play in the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup at the Emirates against Arsenal.

The Gunners, meanwhile, are home for the third straight match in a different league. Arsene Wenger's club defeated Borussia Dortmund in Champions League play on the 23rd of November and then played to a draw with Fulham on the 26th. Now, they'll host the BPL leaders in the Carling Cup.

Needless to say, these players are tired.

Managers have to be mindful of which competition they are playing as well as the health and safety of their star players.

Because of this, we shouldn't expect the best from Arsenal or Manchester City on the pitch today.

City manager Roberto Mancini is not happy with the scheduling and was quoted as saying:

"

"We will change all the team because this is an incredible situation. For this reason the national team arrives at European Championships and World Cups and they are dying—they do not have time to recover."

"To play in two days, two games like this after a Champions League game is incredible. I think the players should say something about this. For the players it is important to play, but it is important also to recover, a minimum three days between one game and another.''

"I agree with him [Dalglish]. I think sometimes we should play with 11 young players, 14-15 years. It is not correct this, not only for us but all the players."

"

Dalglish is obviously Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, as he's made his anger about scheduling known before—and he doesn't even have to worry about Champions League play.

These are two of the best teams in the Premier League this year. Arsenal isn't on par with City just yet—they trail them by four wins, but they certainly have the talent to deal the Citizens their first loss.

Unfortunately, this matchup will take a backseat in terms of high-profile stars.

Expect a good match, but don't expect fireworks, as both managers are expected to make some big changes to their lineups.