Although the League Cup is considered to be of lesser importance to many, tonight’s game against Reading is a vital one with regards to rebuilding confidence within the side.

A one sided history

As always with a pre-match article like this, I look back in time to find out how the Gunners have faired in past encounters.  Usually the gives a fairly muddy idea of whose had the upper hand but in the case of Reading, the results are crystal clear.

Between 1935 and 2008, Arsenal have played Reading nine times and have won every single match.  Last time the teams met in the League Cup was in 2005 when our team had a now nostalgic twist to it.

We won 3-0 that day with Reyes, RVP and one of my personal favourites Arturo Lupoli providing the goals.  It’s fair to say that with regards to history, Arsenal certainly have the upper hand.

A lack of form

Terrible results against Norwich and Schalke coupled with a less than impressive win against QPR have led to concerns about the credentials of this new look Arsenal side.

Although the AGM saw Arsene rubbish the League Cup saying it was the least important competition, tonight’s game is very important not with regards to progressing further, but to set some minds at ease.

Reading’s form has been simply woeful; their only wins this season have come in the league cup against Championship strugglers Peterborough (a 3-2 score line which wasn’t very convincing), and another less than convincing 3-2 win against bottom of the League QPR.

Despite the formbook telling a horrible story for Reading, last weekend saw them grasp a good point against a strong Fulham side.  Robson-Kanu’s last gasp point saver gave the Royals something to cheer and going to their ground could be tricky.

Key Players

For Arsenal, there is no doubt who will wear the key player tag tonight, Jack Wilshere.  Jack’s appearance against QPR sent shivers down my spine and I’m sure he will play a larger part tonight.  In what will be a weakened side for Arsenal, Wilshire will be the best player on the pitch and his continuing rehabilitation should be a source of hope for all Gooners.

Despite reports suggesting Wilshere will not play against Reading, I’m so happy to see him back I can’t resist making him my key man.  Although there is an argument to suggest he should be kept fresh for Saturday, I would love to see him start, and I think the game time would be beneficial for his match fitness.

For Reading, Pavel Pogrebnyak has been on good goal scoring form all season, but for me, he wont be Reading’s key man.  Danny Guthrie suffered a torrid first season in the top flight with Newcastle, and reports suggest that McDermott’s unwillingness to allow him to prove his worth at the top level is causing a rift at the club.

If Guthrie were picked for the match tonight, I would expect him to be out to impress his manager and stake a claim for a first team place.

The Teams

Arsenal’s team decisions tonight will be massively influenced by Man U game at the weekend.  Our team will no doubt be weakened but a few first team faces will probably start.  In my opinion, the key decision will be whether or not Olivier Giroud will play up front.  He played and scored against Coventry last round and has been out of the side of late due to Gervinho’s performances.

In my opinion, Gervinho’s time up front is up and Giroud will be our striker at Old Trafford.  With this being the case, will he be rested, or given some game time?  I believe that he will and should play tonight.

Possible starting 11

Martinez, Jenkinson, Djourou, Miquel, Meade, Arshavin, Wilshere, Gnabry, Walcott, Coquelin, Giroud

Steady the ship

It is virtually impossible to ignore the mammoth task facing the Gunners this weekend but I think it’s important that we do so.  Winning against reading will relieve some of the pressure that is currently on the team and will be vital in restoring confidence ahead of a game that we mustn’t rule ourselves out of at the weekend.

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