Arsenal v Tottenham

Arsenal forward Julio Baptista is doubtful for the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham with a groin injury.
Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Johan Djourou (hamstring) are also concerns but Gilberto is available after serving a three-match suspension.

For Spurs, Ledley King has a foot injury with Ricardo Rocha or Anthony Gardner set to replace him.

Dimitar Berbatov (groin) is out but Mido should be fit to deputise.



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Arsenal squad (provisional): Almunia, Hoyte, Toure, Senderos, Traore, Denilson, Gilberto, Fabregas, Diaby, Flamini, Baptista, Aliadiere, Eboue, Walcott, Randall, Poom, Connolly, Merida.

Tottenham squad (provisional): Robinson, Cerny, Alnwick, Chimbonda, Lee, Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, Gardner, Rocha, Zokora, Huddlestone, Jenas, Lennon, Malbranque, Defoe, Keane, Mido, Ghaly, Murphy, Ziegler, Stalteri.


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Arsenal will attack Spurs - Toure

Defender Kolo Toure says attack will be Arsenal's best form of defence when they host rivals Spurs in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg.
The Gunners hit back from 2-0 down to draw the first leg, and the two sides meet at the Emirates in the knowledge a final spot against Chelsea is at stake.

Toure, who will skipper the side again, said: "At 2-2 they're a dangerous team.

"We will need to play like we did in the second half last week. We'll go out to enjoy our football and try to win."

Arsenal's youngsters were hugely impressive in earning a draw at White Hart Lane but, while Toure admits the performance "shows how bright Arsenal's future will be", he is also aware of Tottenham's attacking threat.

"Defending is going to be massive again for us," said the Ivory Coast international. "The important thing in the first leg was we never gave up and we must retain that belief."

We've got a lot of good players here, and a lot of players who are hungry to win something - we'll be going there all guns blazing

The Gunners' bid for a spot in the final will be aided by the return of midfielder Gilberto Silva after a three-match suspension, and the Brazilian said: "I am really looking forward to coming back.

"It has been hard for me just watching the game on the sidelines and I'm raring to go."

However, Tottenham's own returning midfielder Jermaine Jenas says Spurs do not fear their rivals ahead of the encounter.

"Arsenal came to us and put on a terrific show in the second half," he said. "I thought they were exceptional, but we're still in that tie.

"Our team's also a young team, and still learning. Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone are just the start, there's a lot of good young players at the club who can influence games.

"It's going to be a tough game. But we've got a lot of good players here, and a lot of players who are hungry to win something - so we'll be going there all guns blazing.

"The point is that we're not looking to focus on them too much; we know what we're capable of - and we'll be going there to win the game."

3-1 to the arsenal(well it usually is anyway)

Will AW let his young lions to play the final....

Definitely. Its their success and there is no reason why they cant beat Chelsea having overcome Premiership opponents in previous rounds.

Savage - impressed with the prediction. What's this weekend's lottery numbers going to be?

the only one i got right and it aint in the bloody prediction league cos it was a cup game

I do hope so GM. Their enthusiasm and talent deserve it.

i'd go so far as to say that they'll give chelsea a damn good run for their money..

pity ashley cole won't be involved ... would have been so momentous eh?

will we be seeing tf's version of posh and becks in cardiff for the final