- Aug 23, 2004
- 15,035
- 126
Martin Jol believes the second string Arsenal side that Tottenham will face in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night is on a par with a number of first XIs in the Premiership.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has named a youthful squad for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final between the two London rivals, live on Sky Sports 1, with Kolo Toure, Alexander Hleb and Francesc Fabregas the senior figures in the 16-man party.
Relative unknowns such as Mark Randall and Armand Traore are also included as Wenger has decided to keep faith with the policy that delivered victories over West Brom, Everton and Liverpool in previous rounds.
The famous 6-3 victory at Anfield in the quarter-final saw Julio Baptista score four goals, and Jol has highlighted the Brazilian's presence as evidence for Arsenal's fringe performers being as good as the majority of Premiership teams.
"It is their responsibility, but I feel that their second team, or kids, or reserves, is probably as strong as any other Premiership side outside of the top four," said Jol.
"Baptista was transferred for €20million (£13.2million) last year and he is playing for the kids. I was interested in him a few years ago but he did not have a passport.
"How many teams are there in England like Arsenal who can take a gamble and say 'okay, we don't play our best players and we still have a great chance of going for the Champions League and title'?
"We are not in the position to leave our players out and do well. The only changes I can make are up front or in positions where I have two good players, like at left-back."
Tottenham will field a full strength side as they look to book a place in the final alongside Chelsea on 25th February.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has named a youthful squad for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final between the two London rivals, live on Sky Sports 1, with Kolo Toure, Alexander Hleb and Francesc Fabregas the senior figures in the 16-man party.
Relative unknowns such as Mark Randall and Armand Traore are also included as Wenger has decided to keep faith with the policy that delivered victories over West Brom, Everton and Liverpool in previous rounds.
The famous 6-3 victory at Anfield in the quarter-final saw Julio Baptista score four goals, and Jol has highlighted the Brazilian's presence as evidence for Arsenal's fringe performers being as good as the majority of Premiership teams.
"It is their responsibility, but I feel that their second team, or kids, or reserves, is probably as strong as any other Premiership side outside of the top four," said Jol.
"Baptista was transferred for €20million (£13.2million) last year and he is playing for the kids. I was interested in him a few years ago but he did not have a passport.
"How many teams are there in England like Arsenal who can take a gamble and say 'okay, we don't play our best players and we still have a great chance of going for the Champions League and title'?
"We are not in the position to leave our players out and do well. The only changes I can make are up front or in positions where I have two good players, like at left-back."
Tottenham will field a full strength side as they look to book a place in the final alongside Chelsea on 25th February.