Manchester City v Arsenal Preview: So Much at Stake for Mark Hughes

Eastlands, Wednesday 2000 GMT

MANCHESTER CITY:
Manager Mark Hughes is looking for Carling Cup progress - with the bonus of a kick start for his side's recent faltering Premier League form.

A win against Arsenal would not only give City a place in the last four, but it would also end an unflattering run of seven straight draws that have delivered a hammer blow to Hughes's hopes of being genuine Premier League contenders this term.

And although that piece of silverware looks certain to be heading elsewhere, Hughes is still confident that his team can be a significant threat in the Carling Cup against an Arsenal side that is once again certain to little more than a glorified youth team.

Hughes said: "The motivation for this game is the fact a City win would enable us to do something the club hasn't done for many years which is be in the semi-finals of a domestic competition.

"It was always going to be a significant fixture for us because we want to advance in this competition. Winning is a habit, just like losing is a habit and at the moment we have the drawing habit. I know the one I prefer and I know the one I don't particularly like.

"We are all frustrated that we haven't been able to change our fortunes as we would have liked, but the lads are playing with enough confidence to change that around very quickly and that's what we hope will happen against Arsenal."

Hughes also insisted that he is not bothered by the continued speculation over his own future at the club. Those seven draws have increased the pressure on Hughes as he bids to find a way of getting City's season back on track but he says he is refusing to get concerned about the rumours that he may face te axe.

"I don't lose sleep over it," he added. "I'm not surprised by it, it is quite predictable and I have had to put up with it ever since I came here."

Strategy: Treat this match like it is the be-all and end-all of the season. The Carling Cup may barely register on the radar of certain Premier League sides but it offers City a genuine hope of a trophy and would also vindicate Hughes's managerial methods so a win here is crucial.

Former Gunners' stars Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure will need to be at their best at their respective ends of the pitch and with Hughes likely to pick as strong a squad as possible, the likes of Carlos Tevez and Stephen Ireland and Robinho will all have to impress against an Arsenal side that will be young but by no means inexperienced.

Hughes has been playing 4-3-3 recently after switching from the more typical 4-4-2 but a return to that formation would neutralise Arsenal's midfield threat while still offering enough going forward.

Injury Update: Martin Petrov is still out with a knee problem while Gareth Barry is also a doubt after picking up a slight knee niggle last weekend against Hull City. Craig Bellamy is also likely to be rested because of Hughes's concerns about putting him through the rigours of playing three matches in a week.

ARSENAL:
The nature of the weekend defeat to Chelsea has inevitably triggered a bout of soul-searching at the Emirates Stadium with Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky contradicting the assessment of manager Arsene Wenger who claimed the 3-0 scoreline was an unfair reflection on the game.

The one thing that everyone can agree on, though, is that result dealt a heavy blow to the Gunners' Premier League title hopes and throws fresh focus on the Carling Cup campaign as Wenger's side attempt to end their four-season wait for silverware.

A second successive defeat would have a deflating effect on Arsenal's campaign and Rosicky conceded: "To let the season fall apart now would be the biggest mistake we can do. The next match is vital. After a defeat like this, you need to have a good reaction, if not it will be even more difficult."

As ever, Wenger has used this competition to give valuable experience to his maturing young players and with Robin van Persie sidelined for five months and Nicklas Bendtner struggling for full fitness, the performance of the club's back-up strikers will come under scrutiny. Carlos Vela has so far experienced a frustrating season but much is expected of the Mexico forward who could earn an extended run in the side if impresses at Eastlands.

"When my opportunity comes along, I aim to make the most of it and go from there," said Vela, 20. "Arsene Wenger has brought in the new system and the three places are up for grabs. I think that it's important for me and for the team to have such variation in our play.

"Being able to play in the three positions will hopefully make it easier to break into the team, but the most important thing is the team."

Strategy: Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos will provide experience in central defence as Wenger's side attempt to deny former team mate Emmanuel Adebayor the opportunity to indulge in a repeat of the ill-advised gloating that followed the forward's goal when the two sides met earlier this season. Elsewhere, though, youth will dominate Wenger's selection policy with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey handed the main midfield responsibilities while Vela will be supported by Sanchez Watt and possibly Theo Walcott.

Injury Update: Van Persie will not return from his ankle ligament injury before April while left back Kieran Gibbs is facing three months out with a broken foot. Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf) and Bendtner (groin) are both a week away from a return to training while Gael Clichy is still struggling with a stress fracture in his back.