Carling Cup Final 2011 – Hero’s Prediction

Realistically, who would win? This article would provide an analytical outlook on who might win the Carling Cup this afternoon.

Arsenal’s form is good. However, they enter this match missing key players in the form of Fabregas (whose chronic injuries MUST be a worrying concern for Arsenal fans as too his pending departure to Quarter Final Champions League bound Barcelona this Summer) and Theo Walcott (who is only effective as a sprint runner more than anything else).

Birmingham City’s form however, isn’t and their last game was a 2-0 loss to Newcastle.

However, Birmingham’s game plan will nullify Arsenal’s style of football. Zigic will be Arsenal’s main threat. With (out of form) Koscielny and (only good enough for the Championship) Squillaci in defence, Zigic will cause a lot of problems for Arsenal with his height especially with Birmingham’s style of football where long balls are launched up to him.

This game is likely to be a midfielder’s duel and I could personally see Birmingham winning it. Bowyer and Larsson would both be up for this game. Wenger is probably disappointed with himself for selling Larsson in the first place and making do with waste of money Arshavin (commonly known amongst Arsenal supporters as arse-shavings).

My prediction for this game is a 1-0 Birmingham City win with Zigic the sole goal scorer.

It isn’t going to be a good day for Arsenal supporters. But they must look forward. They finally have an Englishman in the form of Wilshire once Barcelona bound Fabregas has gone.