Back to class for Arsenal wonderkids
AFP-Arsene Wenger will resist the temptation to immediately promote the youngsters who produced such an eye-catching display in the League Cup win over Wigan in midweek.
But the Gunners boss is confident that as many of seven or eight of them will go on to become established Premier League players.
The average age of the Arsenal line-up that beat an experienced Wigan side 3-0 was just 19 and 16-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere and strikers Jay Simpson, who scored twice, and Carlos Vela, all looked as if they could soon be ready for regular first team action.
But Wenger signalled that the tyros will have to settle for a return to the reserves for the moment as he relies on his more established stars for the visit of Aston Villa to the Emirates.
"They are not ready to play week in, week out," the Frenchman said. "When you look at level of competition the demand is too high.
"I have to protect their potential. They are developing and they will be ready if they continue the good work and if they have good attitude."
Wenger rates fifth-placed Villa highly, although Martin O''Neill''s team have lost their last two league matches and are low on confidence.
"They are physically strong and technically efficient," Wenger said of Villa. "They have a lot of pace and can adjust their style. They can play in the air and on the ground. They look good."
With Tottenham revitalised under Harry Redknapp, Manchester City generously bank-rolled and Hull surprising everyone in their first season in the top flight, Wenger believes this season''s title battle will be a more open affair than in recent seasons.
"It''s tougher this year and more interesting, and it looks like anyone can drop points, which is good for us," he said.
Arsenal got their season back on track with last weekend''s win over Manchester United and Wenger underlined how important it was to maintain the momentum.
"It''s a massive game - a big, big test after the United game. We''ve built up belief and this game will give us a big answer."
Wenger is hoping to have striker Emmanuel Adebayor and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia back from injury for Saturday''s match.
Adebayor will have a late fitness test on his ankle while Almunia has recovered from a knock on the head he received in the win over United, clearing the way for him to displace Lukasz Fabianski, who impressed against Wigan.
Robin van Persie is suspended while Emmanuel Eboue is still struggling with a knee problem.