Fielding new faces, Arsenal claimed a 6-0 clean sweep over Sheffield United in the same competition last year, and the Frenchman is confident they can also defeat the Latics.

"The team show a good mixture of talent, they also show a mature collective spirit to play the way we want to play," Wenger said.

"I am very proud of that. We looked strong when we played against Sheffield United in every individual position, and that takes a lot of hard work."

It's widely expected 19-year-old Mexican Carlos Vela, who grabbed a hat-trick in last year's drubbing over the Blades, will feature against Steve Bruce's men.

English revelation Jack Wilshere, who's only 16, might also be named in the squad along with up-and-coming Spanish Defender Fran Merida, who has turned 18 last March.

Wilshere was highly acclaimed by Wenger, who insisted the former has what it takes to be a first team regular.

"He's already well known. We have seen the level he is capable of already but I try to play it down," the coach added.

"The talent is there, and the spirit too. He has an exceptional future ahead."

Full Strength Wigan

On the other side of the coin, Wigan Athletic will be at full strength against the London-based side.

Hitman Emile Heskey would be the only absentee due to injury, and the England international is expected to be replaced by Senegal's Henri Camara.

Scoring sensation Amr Zaki, who scored once in the Carling Cup, is going to pay his first visit to the Emirates Stadium.

The 25-year-old just lost the Premier league's top scorer position, as Chelsea ace Nicolas Anelka has brought his tally to 10 goals on Saturday.

The Egyptian robust has only netted eight thus far.