Arsene, please don't underestimate Ipswich

Tonight we will take a step closer to winning our first title in 5 years. First we have to get through Championship side Ipswich to reach the final. Although it may seem like a forgone conclusion on paper, I would say we should be wary of the Tractor Boys tonight. Since Ipswich got hammered 7-0 last weekend by Chelsea, you may not be impressed by my lack of optimism but here are two reason why I am a little concerned.

Firstly, the new manager effect may be a factor in the opposition's performance. Last weekend, they were managerless after Roy Keane was sacked but they have installed Paul Jewell as manager and it will be his first game in charge. As we have seen countless times, whenever a new manager comes in, the performance typically goes up. The players want to impress the new manager and would be playing out of their skin to keep their place in the squad.

Secondly, the League Cup is all there is for the opposition. Ipswich are currently lying down at the bottom of the Championship so this is their only chance for glory. Moreover they have prove to be resilient in this competition, having beaten another Premiership team, West Bromwich Albion in the previous round. I am sure they will be up for it.

Having said all that, our boys will also be wanting to end the wait for a title this year. It is there for the taking and there is no reason why we can not win this one. With the fixture congestion coming up in the next few weeks, we need to win this game by a healthy margin so that the return leg is where the manager can afford to rest some of the key players. Unlike the match against Leeds where we started without some of the stars, I hope the manager will not make the same mistake again and start with his best team from the get go.