The Carling Cup Dilemma

Should we send out our first team tonight for the league cup against the Scums? The jury is still out there for this one, but it is probably a moot point since Arsene is not going to change his philosophy on the league.

Personally, I am fully supportive of the manager in his stance. I know the league cup would probably be the best chance we have of winning a silverware this season but will we be happy winning the Mickey Mouse cup? Definitely not me.

The league cup matches have contribute a great deal to the young players development for the team. I remember a young Cesc Fabregas aged 16, scoring his first Arsenal goal in a Carling Cup match against Wolves. Without the benefit of such first team exposure, his development would probably not be so meteoric. Ditto for the likes Clichy, Gibbs, Song, Wilshere and the rest who came through the academy.

We are in the midst of reaping the fruits of Arsene's philosophy but we shouldn't neglect the future. Plus, I am excited to see how lads such as JET, Eastmond, Bartlett and Cruize perform at a higher level than they normally do in the Reserves. Wouldn't it be great if our reserves manage to beat the Scums at their own den. Harry would undoubtedly pepper his squad with some youngsters as well so it would be great to see how the future of the two clubs go head to head with each other.

Our youngsters managed a great victory over Liverpool at this stage last year and I expect more of the same from them this year.

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