Exciting Denilson to be given first opportunity

Arsenal will go back to the Hawthorns for a Carling Cup tie tonight - a ground at which they lost at last season - but, as is common, a relatively inexperienced line-up will be given an opportunity.

With the likes of Arturo Lupoli and Nicklas Bendtner out on loan to Championship sides, Neves Denilson is likely to play a role in the fixture. With the furore surrounding Ashley Cole's protracted transfer, the late signing of the Brazil Under-19 captain on deadline day went largely unnoticed, at least by non-Arsenal fans.

The ex-Sao Paulo midfielder's £3.4m move from the Copa Libertadores finalists, after making 12 appearances by the young age of 18, came out of the blue. But Arsene Wenger is an astute market mover, and should Denilson be offered a opportunity, eyes will be primarily fixed upon him on his first ever Arsenal appearance.

Arsenal's defence has been surprinsgly strong in the absence of Phillipe Senderos, who will make a comeback in the Carling Cup fixture. Having emerged from the doldrums, Arsenal's push to be reckoned with for the title can only be boosted by Senderos's return. The Swiss star, who scored and dislocated his shoulder at the World Cup finals, has overseen the exit of Sol Campbell and dealt with his own issues concerning concentration to develop into a central defender first on Wenger's teamsheet.

Theo Walcott will make a rare start, hoping to avoid a similar fate to that of striking compatriot Jeremie Aliadiere. Having made a sizeable impact when starring after coming on as a sub with an assist in Arsenal's 5-1 win at Inter Milan in the Champions League just a couple of years ago, loans spells at the likes of Celtic, West Ham and Wolves have proved difficult - either the Frenchman has failed to earn a regular starting place or not been prolific enough to sustain a run in the team.

It appears Wenger is ready to have Aliadiere taken off his hands, should an appropriate bid come in. With few problems in the forwards department, and the emergence of Mr. Walcott, a move down to the Championship or abroad may be the best way to salvage a once promising career that has turned stale.

Errors corrected - thanks for the input.