The tools at my disposal: the Arsenal v Blackburn FA Cup programme (page 81). A magnifying glass. A vague memory of Arsene Wenger’s declaration that the players who got us to Cardiff will enjoy their day in the sun. The knowledge that the Carling Cup is an annoying mosquito of a trophy in relation to Wenger’s first team priorities – Europe and the Premiership. He’d enjoy putting one over Chelsea but he really isn’t obsessed about doing it. Three points against Reading the following weekend are higher up on his agenda.

So here goes with the likely starters –

Goalie: Almunia. No brainer.

Defence: Hoyte – Toure – Djourou – Traore. Hoyte is expected to recover from the hamstring strain that meant he did not travel to Holland. It’s a close call between Djourou and Senderos as both have played on the road to the final – although Djourou three times to Swiss Tony’s two. Senderos’ appearance against Eindhoven and his sometime problem accounting for Didier Drogba suggests Djourou will get the nod. And he did as well as could be asked in the league game last December, so I’d be as happy to see him start as Big Phil. Wenger could of course pull a rabbit out of the hat by playing Gallas, but that would go against his stated policy of rewarding those that had got the club to the final. Traore is raw but has bundles of talent. I’ve seen nothing in his games so far to suggest he is not good enough to take his place in Cardiff. Kolo is Kolo. ‘Nuff said. No man deserves to lift a trophy more.

Midfield: Walcott – Diaby – Fabregas – Denilson. In truth, this is probably where the game could be lost. I have a slight feeling that Wenger might start Flamini instead of Cesc and frankly, that would weaken things sufficiently for us to lose the game before our number four enters from the bench. But if Le Boss has serious ideas of having any chance against Chelsea’s midfield superstars, Fabregas must start. Theo has started every game in the tournament and despite being largely a waste of space, for this reason he’ll get the call up. Chelsea won’t worry about him too much so he’s got to make the most of the opportunity, get his head down and try and beat his man to deliver a cross. Beating his man has proved a problem of late, but cup finals can produce some unlikely heroes. Diaby is quality as is Denilson.

Attack: Baptista – Aliadiere. A little harsh on Adebayor who has played three games to the Beast’s two – but that (as with Diaby) has been down to injury. So the Beast will get the nod and can play a bit deeper if a 4-5-1 is required at any time. What these two achieved in the quarter final at Liverpool shows the potential if Chelsea have an off-day at the back.

Bench: Poom, Senderos, Flamini, Adebayor and one other. In truth, it could be anyone in that last berth. Rosicky’s a possibility, Hleb another, Freddie, maybe even Thierry or Gilberto. Difficult to call, but I suspect it will be an experienced head that can have an impact if required. If I were a betting man, I’d plump for Rosicky. No reason, just a feeling.

Chances – Well, the odds are stacked against the boys, and that is why there should be no pressure on them. They have done fantastically well to see off the first team line-ups of Everton and Spurs and a Liverpool side packed with a number of star names at Anfield. And naturally, this could work in their favour. The onus is all on Chelsea. To win the trophy they would receive minimal credit, but should they actually lose it, can you imagine! Abramovich’s billions money down the drain. They’ll make excuses about John Terry being injured, to which we can point to nine or ten of our own first choicers not starting through policy.

Of course Chelsea should win. But these kids deserve our support and appreciation come full time assuming that does indeed happen. Their own chances of victory are dependent on a mix of factors – the pressure getting to Chelsea, their unfamiliarity having never faced some of our younger prospects and the ability of Arsenal’s pups to retain possession in the face of the workrate of Mourinho’s men. We travel in hope rather than expectation, but hope springs eternal. Enjoy the day.

Ed’s Notes – Whilst we are on the subject…

Footnote 1 – From the Chelsea official website, Thursday morning…

“Sunday 25th February . Kick Off 3pm. Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

A limited number of tickets for Sundays match against Arsenal are on sale at one per member/Season Ticket holder (who have not yet purchased a ticket). Tickets can only be collected from the Chelsea Box Office before 5pm this Friday. Tickets will not be posted out and cannot be collected from the Millennium Stadium. Tickets not collected will not be refunded, Supporters are reminded that the box office will be closed this Saturday and Sunday. You MUST bring your teamcard when collecting tickets.”

Watch out for the empty spaces in the south end!

Footnote 2 – An email received on the scarves at Cardiff theme from George Beechey…

“I am a season ticket holder at Arsenal and am delighted to say that I have been fortunate enough to get a ticket for Sunday, However I wanted to encourage everyone to bring a scarf to the game as I believe it creates a fantastic atmosphere - I have recently seen it catching on at Ashburton Grove. So I am asking you to post something about it on your website.”

So there you have it George. Everyone dig out one of their old scarves and let’s see ‘em at the Millennium.