Wenger to keep faith with youngsters

Carling Cup team news: Arsene Wenger is set to again test the depth of his Arsenal squad in tomorrow’s League Cup quarter-final…

Carling Cup team news:Arsene Wenger is set to again test the depth of his Arsenal squad in tomorrow's League Cup quarter-final at Manchester City.

Philippe Senderos and veteran Mikael Silvestre are likely to start in defence to provide some experience, while fit-again Lukasz Fabianski should return in goal.

Youngsters Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Sanchez Watt, Fran Merida - who scored against Liverpool in the last round — plus Craig Eastmond and reserve captain Kyle Bartley are all in contention.

Emmanuel Adebayor will renew rivalries with his old club as City look to reach the semi-finals.

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The Togo front-man scored and also picked up a three-match ban for an ugly clash with Robin van Persie when the two sides met earlier this season, since when Adebayor has struggled for form.

Kolo Toure is also in line to face his former club as City look to end a run of seven successive quarter-final defeats since they last reached the semi-finals of a major competition, the 1981 FA Cup.

Gareth Barry has been experiencing slight discomfort from separate injuries to groin and knee but Hughes is confident the England midfielder will be fit.

Sam Allardyce will miss Blackburn'smeeting with Chelsea,assistant manager Neil McDonald has confirmed.

Allardyce, who has been absent for the team’s last three games, underwent heart surgery last week and is recovering at home.

It was initially hoped he would return to the dugout for the cup tie at Ewood Park, but Allardyce is now not expected back at work until Friday, a day before Rovers host Liverpool in the Premier League.

“He is at home, he’s convalescing and hopefully he will be back in work on Friday,” said McDonald, who will continue to stand in for the former Bolton and Newcastle boss.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is likely to have Ashley Cole fit. The England left-back had to come off with a hamstring injury during Sunday’s win at Arsenal but he will train today and is likely to travel with the squad.

Daniel Sturridge (knee), Alex (hip) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) miss out while Gael Kakuta could make his first start in a team which is likely to include several changes from the weekend.