Arsene Wenger: We will absolutely go for a win against Chelsea (Capital One Cup)

Arsene Wenger: We will absolutely go for a win against Chelsea (Capital One Cup)

Arsene Wenger says his Arsenal team to face Chelsea in the Capital One Cup will be "a mixture" - but victory is the aim.

The Gunners boss is adamant that progress through to the quarter-finals is "absolutely" the target, whatever side he fields at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has promised wholesale changes for a fixture which comes with just 24 hours rest following Sunday's 2-1 defeat of Manchester City.

Wenger also plans to make changes and utilise his squad.

"The team will be a mixture, with some players who are at the moment not getting the games they need and deserve, and also one or two young players," Wenger said.

"I have to get that mixture right and I will leave myself until tomorrow to decide how I do that."

Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner could make his first Arsenal start since March 2011 following loan spells at Sunderland and Juventus. Bendtner was close to exiting Arsenal in the summer.

"Nicklas has been away for a lot of time and he was half - when I say half I mean 80 per cent - out of the club," Wenger said.

"In the end, he decided to stay and I stopped him from going.

"I must say, he responded in a positive way and that is what we want from him now.

"I believe he is physically ready, a very good player and if his concentration is 100 per cent to commit himself to the cause he will be a great asset for us. But that is what you want from him in this game."

Wenger also believes the contest provides an opportunity for Arsenal to prove their Premier League title ambitions are serious.

The Gunners are searching to end their eight-year trophy drought and hold a two-point lead over second-placed Chelsea in the table.

Some have attributed their lead to a favourable fixture list, with the opening day loss to Aston Villa followed by seven wins in an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

"We haven't won the title for a few years and people question that now," Wenger said.

"At the end of the day, the Premier League will reflect the quality of the performances of the team throughout the season and how well you do in the big games.

"This is a good opportunity for us to show we are ready.

"I'm not sure it will affect the Premier League at all, but you know people will look at you, how you behave and whether you can win the big games like that.

"What is for sure is you that you want to win these sort of games.

"That has a certain psychological influence on the team.

"What we want to do is to show that we want to be considered as a very strong team and that comes only with the way we play and with the results, so let's just focus on that.

"We will absolutely go for this game."

source: skysports