Arsenal vs. Wigan [R] (Carling Cup) Pre/dur/Post Match

[Catfish]

Here we go, which Gunners side will show up? I know Wenger will be using subs in the 2nd half to keep the lads fresh for the remainder of the season, but Wigan are not to be taken lightly. They are just a few places below us in the table and still field a solid side. I think the main advantage for us coming into this match is the desire to win SOMETHING this season and also coming off an awful away loss @ Goodison Park.

My thinking is 2-1 to The Arsenal.

[GunnerOToole]

I know that Dennis was helld back today for the Wigan game. At home so the crowd will make them show-up. We need to knock in a few here. Maybe 3-1.

[ShoogarTheBarbarian]

We HAVE to win this game. Impressively at that! I'd like to see Diaby get a start and hopefully it'll be Henry and Lupoli up front at the start.

3-0 to the Gunners

[Cannon]

We HAVE to win this game. Impressively at that! I'd like to see Diaby get a start and hopefully it'll be Henry and Lupoli up front at the start.

3-0 to the Gunners
RVP might be ready for this one. I'd much rather see him start over lupoli.

[Rima067]

Do you think Wenger will really play Henry for this match at all? I am assuming he's not even going to be on the bench no matter what the scoreline and no matter that the competition's at stake..

[surfcam]

Here we go, which Gunners side will show up? I know Wenger will be using subs in the 2nd half to keep the lads fresh for the remainder of the season, but Wigan are not to be taken lightly. They are just a few places below us in the table and still field a solid side. I think the main advantage for us coming into this match is the desire to win SOMETHING this season and also coming off an awful away loss @ Goodison Park.

My thinking is 2-1 to The Arsenal.

I don't think that is a very good scoreline Patrick. It would then be tied on aggregate and they would have an away goal. Pull for the 2-0 clean sheet!

[yossarian]

I don't think that is a very good scoreline Patrick. It would then be tied on aggregate and they would have an away goal. Pull for the 2-0 clean sheet!

Are you certain that away goals count more in the Carling Cup the way they do in the CL?

I couldn't recall.

[surfcam]

Are you certain that away goals count more in the Carling Cup the way they do in the CL?

I couldn't recall.

Why take a chance, go for the clean sheet!:D I fear that if Wigan gets a goal in, the team will give up.

Hopefully RvP gets the nod and I would like to see Freddie play and finally get one to go in. He has had a case of the Reyes' lately.

[yossarian]

Why take a chance, go for the clean sheet!:D I fear that if Wigan gets a goal in, the team will give up.

Hopefully RvP gets the nod and I would like to see Freddie play and finally get one to go in. He has had a case of the Reyes' lately.

Yeah, but unlike Reyes, Freddie hasn't been delivering the killer assist either.

[Gooner_for_Life]

I said 3-1 to Everton so what do i know. Also this one is a tough call because if Wenger keeps up his usual biz in the CC then i dont think we will make the final. However, our home form is good, so 3-1 to the Arse.

[Irelandboy]

Away goals count AET.

As for Wigan being a few places below us....they're level on points.

However, a thumping 3-0 victory will give us something to look forward to in Feb, aside Real Madrid!

[ArsenalTexan3]

Well I'm going to be at the match so hopefully we'll see the Dutch Duel up front(Bergkamp and RVP).

In theory all Arsenal needs is to win 2-nil to advance on agregate. However, I'm being greedy, I want more than two goals.

[Catfish]

I don't think that is a very good scoreline Patrick. It would then be tied on aggregate and they would have an away goal. Pull for the 2-0 clean sheet!
I know...I'm with you, lol. Just trying to be realistic.

[Dave_M]

SO what at the rules if this game is a draw on aggregate at the end of 90 minutes + stoppage time?

Extra Time or "Away Goals count"?

[Irelandboy]

At 90 mins, away goals do not count

AET, away goals count.

[antifan]

Is Cesc going to be banned for this game, or does it take a week to kick in? Either way, i think i'd like to see Diaby and Flamini pair up in midfield, with Freddie and Reyes on the wings, and Henry and RVP up front.

[Dave_M]

At 90 mins, away goals do not count

AET, away goals count.

AH good that keeps it simple then. Beat them by two goals to win, beat them by one to force extra time.

[ArsenalTexan3]

I'm sure bergkamp and RVP will factor in the game at some point.

Can anyone explain to me why Gilberto has been given the Captian's armband instead of Ljungberg? Makes no sense as Ljungberg has been at the club longer.

[Lanesra]

I'm sure bergkamp and RVP will factor in the game at some point.

Can anyone explain to me why Gilberto has been given the Captian's armband instead of Ljungberg? Makes no sense as Ljungberg has been at the club longer.

It's probabally down to the amount of games he has played in this torrnament this year.

[goonsquad]

Come on Arsenal, we NEED this one. This is our most realistic chance for silverware, and could be a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season. RvP needs to come up big for us in this one. We're at home, lets get it done boys. An early goal opens the floodgates.