Arsenal travel to Valley Parade later today to face League Two side Bradford City in the Quarter finals of the Carling cup. The hosts come into the game boasting a best home record in the League Two. While Arsenal will be looking to add to the crucial three points they secured in the clash against West Brom.
The Bantams have already defeated Wigan Athletic on their way to this stage of the competition, while a run of just one defeat in their last 12 fixtures in League Two has left them in fourth spot in the table. However this time they face Arsenal and have to give every bit of their energy to overcome the North Londoners. Bradford defender Curtis Good who is a loanee from Newcastle is poised to make his debut today and is relishing the opportunity to play against the Premier league giants.
“It would be a dream come true because all my mates back home are Arsenal supporters, he told Press Association Sport. When I said I was coming to Bradford they knew we were playing Arsenal and were excited. Even if I’m only on the bench, just to be involved in the game at a packed stadium would be great.”
Arsene Wenger has an impressive record against League two sides and will be looking to progress to the semi’s tonight, it is expected that the manager will go for an mixed squad including several senior players in the starting line-up. The likes of Thomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey are expected to start along with Gervinho and Giroud. Youngster Thomas Eisfeld who has made impressive progress with the Arsenal reserve squad is also expected get some game time. Meanwhile Bradford city are expected to start the game with their best 11 with the exceptions of Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid.
Recent form:
Bradford City: LWDDW
Arsenal: DDLLW
Match Facts:
- The two sides have met on 25 occasions with Arsenal taking 11, while Bradford have taken nine, and five ending in a draw.
- The Bantams are not a side to be taken lightly especially after they topped Wigan on penalties at the DW Stadium in October to secure progression.
- The hosts boast the best home defensive record in League Two, having conceded just six times in 11 matches at Valley Parade and have only lost once in their last 12 fixtures.
- Arsenal currently have the second-best defensive record on the road in the Premier League this season, conceding just six in eight games.
- The Gunners have not won the League Cup since 1993, however they made the final two seasons ago and lost in the dying minutes due to a defensive mishap.
Possible lineups:
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McHugh, McArdle, Meredith; Thompson, Jones, Doyle, Atkinson; Hanson, Wells
Arsenal: Fabianski; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Squillaci, Gibbs; Ramsey, Thomas Eisfeld, Rosicky; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Gervinho
Prediction: 1-3