After persisting with his young-guns Arsene Wenger found his inexperienced but extremely talented side two down at the break last week, and looking as if there was no need for a second leg.
However after a rousing team-talk and a bit of help by some poor tactics from Martin Jol, when he decided to revert to just one up front, his team sparked into life. The change of formation from Spurs invited pressure and with Arsenal now having nothing to lose pressed and pressed with the goal followed by the equaliser inevitable.
After drawing level thanks to Carling Cup goal king Julio Baptista, who now has six cup goals, the Gunners could have even won the game and in a desperate second half from Spurs they will probably thank their lucky stars that they didn’t concede more.
So, a week on and the enemies meet again, this time at the Emirates and on their first visit to Arsenal’s new stadium, back in December, Spurs took a 3-0 pounding.
Being so close to a final in a cup competition that’s eluded Wenger, the Frenchman must be tempted to put out his strongest side, but still with a few injuries he looks set to stick with his youngsters. However, I do expect a few regulars like Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor to possibly be keeping the bench warm in the case of an emergency.
Both sides were in action in the FA Cup at the weekend, with Spurs having the easier game beating Southend 3-1. Arsenal on the otherhand had another tough game with Bolton, and playing late on Sunday afternoon they will not have had as much time to recoup than Spurs.
All this said the Gunners are still unbeaten at their new home and although they seem to give the opposition a headstart at the moment I think at 7/2 Spurs will be hard pressed to win the game inside 90 mins.
For me the draw at around 5/2 will obviously suit Arsenal with away goals counting after extra-time, but this will be a risking option playing for that scoreline. So with Spurs pushing on and really needing a goal this could eat right into the hands of Arsenal, and the 17/20 for a win for the home side looks the best option.
As mentioned Baptista, with his six League Cup goals, will be very popular as he’s bound to start, so at around 6/1 to net the first and 13/8 anytime expect a flood of money for the Brazilian.
Another market that was of interest, and although I expect Arsenal to win the game, is to have a small saver on Spurs scoring the first goal at around 17/10. Arsenal seem to give their opposition an easy lead at the moment, which has been evident in their last three games where they have gone a goal down in them all.
Of the rest, at 7/2 a draw after 45 minutes and then Arsenal to win the second half also caught the eye, as I expect the sides to exchange blows and test the water in a cagey first half, and then as Spurs try to press for the win looking vulnerable on the break.
Recommended bets:
3pts Arsenal to win (17/20)
2pts Baptista to score (13/8)
1pt HT Draw/FT Arsenal (7/2)
1pt Spurs to score first (17/10)
* All prices correct at time of writing.
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