However that is not why I think Arsene should play a strong team in the third round; and an injury to Denilson already undermines that concept. The reason for playing a strong team is that Arsenal's league form needs lifting. In particular Adebayor and RvP need to find the net far more often.

There is no mid week match coming up, so no one needs a rest. The team needs to get out there and score lots of goals. Though that is easier said than done. This team lacks confidence; it needs to find it, and perhaps a bit of magic in the cup could rub off into the league. Players often regain form against, with all respect to Plymouth, lesser teams.

Missing Pilgrim

I shall feel a little sadness about this fixture, a regret that my favourite Plymouth fan Paul Foot will not be present. He was also an admirer of Arsenal's football and when he wrote the following for the Guardian he did so as a sympathiser:

"One of the few undiluted pleasures today, even for loyal Plymouth Argyle supporters, is watching Arsenal playing football. So I read with dismay a couple of reports in the Mirror that the Arsenal authorities are pondering a move to destroy at a stroke all that pleasure.

This is the rumour that they are thinking of buying Lee Bowyer from Leeds United. As someone who has observed with great glee the deterioration of Leeds ever since Bowyer faced charges of grievous bodily harm on an Asian student (and was acquitted), I pass on from at least 20 people I know in north London a desperate plea to Arsène Wenger and anyone else considering such a move.

Before you buy Bowyer, please read carefully the records of both criminal cases in which Bowyer was involved, and the subsequent civil case against Leeds United brought by the injured student and his family - and then ask whether Bowyer is fit to represent Arsenal, or any other club for that matter."

Thankfully no such thing came to pass, and I feel the same emotion when I hear Jonathan Woodgate linked to Arsenal, except Paul is no longer with us to point out the problems with that.

In memory of Paul I wish all Pilgrims a great day out on Saturday; unfortunately I can't extend that to include the result. Paul would have loved to see his Pilgrims taking on Arsene's Arsenal, let's hope we see a match worthy of his name.

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