The first domestic silverware of the English season will
be settled on Sunday when Arsenal's young guns are pitted against
Chelsea's expensively assembled superstars in the Carling Cup
final.
The first ever all-London final in England's second cup competition
is gearing up to be a memorable affair, with no love lost between
the two sides in the two-and-a-half seasons since Jose Mourinho's
arrival in English football.
Arsene Wenger has angered the two-time Premiership champions with
accusations of 'financial doping' under Roman Abramovich's reign,
with the Frenchman's own antidote being a carefully cultivated
youth programme which has paid real dividends this season.
Arsenal's emerging stars have secured memorable victories over West
Brom, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham en route to the final, but a
meeting with Mourinho's quadruple-chasing side will be the ultimate
test of their talent.
Whilst cracks have appeared in Chelsea's formidable facade this
season, they remain a daunting prospect and will give no quarter in
their bid to match their success of 2005 - Mourinho's first trophy
in English football.
The Blues have disposed of Blackburn, Aston Villa, Newcastle and
Wycombe on the way to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, and personal
pride - along with Mourinho's ongoing spat with Wenger - means
Chelsea will be keen to hand Arsenal's kids a footballing
education.
However, they will have to do so without inspirational captain John
Terry after the England star damaged his ankle ligaments in
Wednesday's UEFA Champions League game with Porto.
Khalid Boulahrouz's dislocated shoulder means the backline will
have a makeshift feel to it again, with Michael Essien expected to
slot in alongside Ricardo Carvalho.
Ashley Cole has an outside chance of facing the side he left under
a cloud in the summer, but the left-back may take a place on the
bench after marking his comeback from knee ligament damage in the
reserves in midweek.
Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Porto also saw Arjen Robben pick up a
muscle strain so the Dutchman is doubtful for Sunday, with midfield
companion Joe Cole a long term absentee due to a foot injury.
John Obi Mikel could accompany Michael Ballack, Claude Makelele and
Frank Lampard in midfield, whilst Andrei Shevchenko will be hoping
for another start alongside Didier Drogba after claiming five goals
in his last seven games.
Arsenal's starting XI is much harder to pre-empt, although Wenger
has insisted he will keep faith with the players that have taken
The Gunners to the final as he chases the only domestic silverware
to have eluded him in England.
That means William Gallas will not play against his former
employers, with captain Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg and Jens
Lehmann (suspended) also watching from the sidelines.
Wenger may have selection problems in defence as Emmanuel Eboue is
out with an ankle problem, whilst Gael Clichy (foot) and Justin
Hoyte (hamstring) require late fitness tests.
Clichy's participation is in some doubt, meaning 17-year-old Armand
Traore could well start the biggest game of his career to
date.
Wenger is expected to garnish his side with more than a liberal
sprinkling of experience so the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure
and Emmanuel Adebayor could all start in Cardiff.
However a substitutes' role would be harsh on young hopefuls such
as Denilson, Theo Walcott and Jeremie Aliadiere who have started
every game in the competition so far.
If Wenger's proteges are to overpower their London rivals then
Julio Baptista could be the key after claiming six goals in the cup
already this season, but even The Beast will be aware of the
monstrous task facing his young team-mates.
Arsenal have demonstrated a deep reservoir of talent though their
Carling Cup campaign this season, but it remains to be seen whether
Chelsea's all-conquering side will prove to be a bridge too far for
the young guns.
