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Carling Cup

Four young Gunners carrying plenty of ammunition

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Morgan in the driving seat - Alister Morgan discusses the individual merits of Van Persie, Eduardo, Adebayor and Bendtner ahead of tonight's match against Spurs

Is it me or does Arsene Wenger look pretty smug these days? Arsenal sit on top of the Premiership and few commentators predicted that at the beginning of the season. Who could have predicted that this side would blossom so swiftly and stylishly?

Thierry who? Arsenal's football has touched celestial heights this season. Better still, they're scoring goals freely and currently top the Premiership scoring charts between the 'big four' clubs despite not having the services of Robin Van Persie, arguably their finest striker.

Adebayor, Eduardo and Fabregas have all reached double figures while Arsenal have failed to score only once in the Premiership this season. Regardless of how important Henry was it can't be denied that Arsenal are blossoming but which of the current strikers is most likely to lead Arsenal's scoring charts for the next few years as well as against arch rivals Spurs in the Carling Cup semi-final? Will it be Bendtner, Adebayor, Eduardo or Van Persie?

Nicklas Bendtner is the least established of Arsenal's current crop. Powerful in the air and on the ground, he has genuine physical presence but is no mere bruiser - his technique is impressive and he retains the ability to play with his back to goal and create for others.

Bendtner remains a big star in Denmark, scoring five goals in 11 senior appearances for Denmark. Despite minimal starts for Arsenal he has the talent to succeed in the Premiership but may have to eventually move for regular first team football - there will be no shortage of suitors.

Emmanuel Adebayor refuses to be pigeon-holed as Arsenal's second-best striker. Partnering Henry was not always easy but we've seen plenty of improvement and consistency of late. He has speed, creativity, power and the all-important ability to conjure something special when needed.

To my mind Drogba remains the world's best pure striker and previously I would say the only similarity with Adebayor was a penchant for lamentable hairstyles. However, without the sulking Henry nearby, Adebayor has raised his efforts to impressive levels scoring 12 goals in 24 games this season to make himself Arsenal's main goal threat.

Eduardo was the big money signing who arrived to much fanfare before disappearing from public view. Whatever Rocky-Balboa training regime Wenger insisted on has worked a treat as Eduardo is the striker making Gooners everywhere salivate.

He's scored 13 goals in 17 appearances for Croatia and despite only starting 14 games for Arsenal he's scored 11 goals displaying a touch and finish in and around the box reminiscent of Robbie Fowler in his pomp.

Rapidly establishing himself as the clubs most natural finisher this boy is a killer in front of goal - and he's only 24-years-old.

Then there's Robin Van Persie, a player so gifted it's not embarrassing mentioning him in the same breath as Arsenal's original Dutch Master, Dennis Bergkamp. It's hard to imagine anything but a legendary career for such a talented player. I could write plenty but instead go to YouTube and watch his volley against Charlton again and again. I'm struggling to recall if I've ever seen a finer goal!

None of Wenger's strikers have reached full maturity which is bad news for Spurs no matter who actually plays. I'm not certain Wenger knows the best combination yet but Spurs, who've conceded 8 goals in their last three games, is likely to be tested defensively.

You can back Spurs [4.5] to keep a clean sheet but optimistic Spurs fans are likely to have more success backing their team for a win [3.85] or draw [3.5].

Arsenal is [2.16] to win the first leg but it's likely to be Arsenal's reserve side who line up with Bendtner and Eduardo in attack. If Spurs are ever going to win at The Emirates it should be over two-legs against Wenger's B side. Either way it's unlikely to finish 0-0 but I'd be tempted to back Spurs just this once.