By Aston
January 12 2011

Town take on Arsenal in the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi-final at Portman Road later today, with 30,000 fans expected.

Town will be managed again by Charlie McParland with new Town manager Paul Jewell watching from the stands.

Jason Scotland and Troy Brown are both doubts for the game, Scotland picking up a calf injury while Brown has a tight hamstring on top of that Town will be missing Shane O'Connor, Brian Murphy, Luke Hyam and Alan Quinn through injury while Grant Leadbitter is suspended with Rory Fallon and Jake Livermore both cup tied.

Town defender Gareth McAuley: "If we can get any result against Arsenal it will give everyone a lift, we know it's going to be very difficult but we've got to go out there and put on a performance.

"It will be the first time I have played in front of 30,000 at Portman Road. I'm sure the fans will get right behind us and that will be a big help because we are going to need them. It should be a fantastic occasion and hopefully we can put a smile back on the faces of the supporters."

Arsenal look short of options in the centre of defence with Sebastien Squillaci and Thomas Vermaelen. Bacary Sagna is suspended.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas: "Although Ipswich are a Championship team, that can make them even more dangerous, their motivation will be very high - these will be the biggest two games of their year.

"They will be desperate to beat us, they will want to show their strengths, and their motivation will be as high as possible.

"If we want to get through we will have to match that motivation, if not raise it further."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: "That we have not won a trophy for five years will not have a big influence on the match against Ipswich, what will have a big influence on us is that we are two games away from the final, and we want to go there. We will be highly motivated to do it.

"We will go to Ipswich to do the job well and to turn up with a better performance than on Saturday."

4,500 Arsenal fans are making the trip to Portman Road tonight and the number of away fans means Portman Road will be closed to home fans after the game as the police escort the Gunners to their coaches. 

Preview: Town – Arsenal

Discussion started by Singing The Blues (IP Logged), 12/01/2011 13:08

Singing The Blues
12/01/2011 13:08

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Forum List Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net