Over recent years the Arsenal youth academy has introduced some fantastic players into English football.  On Tuesday night Arsene Wenger’s side take on Championship high-flyers West Brom in the Carling Cup in a game where we may see the next crop of Arsenal youngsters make an appearance.

Wenger likes to use the Carling Cup to test his fringe and youth players and this season should be no different, even if they are under pressure to end their trophy drought.  One youngster who looks set to have a big future at Arsenal and indeed in football is ack Wilshere.  The 17-year-old caused a stir in the Emirates Cup over the summer with two stunning goals which led some to suggest he could force his way into Fabio Capello’s plans for the World Cup in South Africa.  Wenger is a manager who likes to protect his younger players from the spotlight and as yet Wilshere has had very little action this season.  However, it seems highly likely the midfielder will start against the Baggies tomorrow as the Arsenal boss rests his first-choice players and he could well be one to watch over the course of the season.

The opposition must not be ignored of course.  West Brom won many an admirer with their passing football in the Premier League last season and they’ll be up for the challenge.  Manager Roberto Di Matteo likes his side to play an open attacking brand of football and he won’t change this just because they’re at the Emirates.  The Baggies will consider the league and promotion their top priority and will go into this game eager to prove themselves without the real pressure of being expected to progress.  This tie should be a great one between two attacking sides who like to keep the ball on the floor and it should be a fantastic encounter.

The Arsenal V West Brom game is not the only encounter worth keeping an eye on tommorow night.  Fallen giants Leeds United welcome Liverpool to Elland Road in a game that should be highly charged.  The long suffering Leeds fans continue to turn up in numbers despite the fact the club are currently in League One and the visit of Liverpool to Yorkshire should draw a bumper crowd.   The Leeds fans are known for their passion to the game and will be in full voice with Liverpool in town.

I doubt Rafael Benitez will field his strongest team in these early stages of the Carling Cup but that should not detract from what is a massive game between two huge clubs, albeit clubs in very different situations at the moment.  Leeds have been in fine form in the league and sit proudly at the top of the division, having won seven and drawn one of their opening eight fixtures.  There will be no pressure to progress on the home side and they will play to enjoy the occasion.

Leeds have scored an impressive 16 goals so far this season and their defence has only been breached four times.  I doubt they’ll beat Liverpool in all honesty but it wouldn’t surprise me a great deal if they forced the replay.  In players like Jermaine Beckford, Lucciano Becchio and Mike Grella they have players with enough quality to cause Premier League sides problems and I’m sure all three will be fired up for a tie with Liverpool.

The Carling Cup may not be the most prestigious of competitions but it still throws up some great games and I’m hoping we see some decent encounters tomorrow night.  The smart money would go on Liverpool and Arsenal but I’m sure West Brom and Leeds will prove worthy opposition for the Premier League sides when the games kick off on Tuesday.

Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer who works for Betfair, where you can find Rugby betting advice and horse racing betting advice.