Carling Cup Final Preview: Is the trophy drought going to end?

Arsenal are taking on Birmingham City tomorrow afternoon at Wembley Stadium in the Carling Cup final. If Arsenal win the game it will be our first trophy since 2005 and will be a major step forward for the players and the club. The club captain Fabregas along with Walcott will miss the final due to injury but the Arsenal team should still have enough to beat Birmingham on Sunday. After all Andrey Arshavin will be one of the players coming into the starting XI, who on his day is one of the best players in England. Unlike previous seasons we now also have a solid spine to the team, which includes Szczesny, Djourou, Song, Nasri and Van Persie. These 5 players especially will be key on Sunday. Tomorrow will however still be a huge test for Arsene's team, and it will be a huge turning point in our season if we win but also if we lose. A win will spur us on towards winning more trophies and closing the gap on United, a loss however would be a huge blow for the side, but I believe Arsenal will end the trophy drought comfortably on Sunday.

Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal and he is the exact type of player you want in your side in a cup final. He is full of confidence and his recent performances have been incredible.

Right Back
Bacary Sagna will start at right back keeping Eboue on the bench. He is an experienced and reliable defender who should cope with the pressure of a cup final well.

Centre Back's
Johan Djourou will partner Laurent Koscielny at the back for Arsenal. The duo have built a great partnership, but will need to defend well to deal with Zigic and Martins.

Left Back
Gael Clichy will continue at left back and is another experienced member of the side.

Defensive Midfield
Alex Song will play in the defensive midfield role for the Arsenal. He is a very important player and will need to have a good game tomorrow.

Centre Midfield
Jack Wilshere will start alongside Alex Song. He is only 19 and a cup final would be too much pressure for most youngsters. Jack isn't like most youngsters though and plays like he has been playing at the top level for years, and I'm sure he will be brilliant in the final.

Attacking Midfield
Samir Nasri will play in his favoured central role due to the Cesc Fabregas injury. He was superb in Cesc's position earlier in the season  and will hopefully continue tomorrow.

Right Wing
Nicklas Bendtner will start on the right wing for the Arsenal in the all important cup final. He has improved a lot recentely and has the confidence to play in a major cup final. He could finally make himself a favourite with the fans.

Centre Forward
Robin Van Persie will captain the side at Wembley tomorrow. He has been magnificent recentely and has the ability to destroy the Birmingham defence. He will be key tomorrow and if he plays like he has recentely we will win the match.

Left Wing
Andrey Arshavin will start on the left wing tomorrow afternoon. He has the potential to win the game on his own, but which Arshavin will turn up for the final tomorrow?

I believe this XI should easily have enough to beat Birmingham if we play well as a team. Obviously we are missing Fabregas but Arshavin isn't exactly a bad replacement. I am predicting a 2-0 victory for the Arsenal with goals from Bendtner and Van Persie.