Arsenal second string would beat full-strength Manchester City, says Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere is hoping that Emmanuel Adebayor is picked to face his former club and wants Mark Hughes to play his strongest team in the Carling Cup.

Adebayor almost caused a riot the last time he faced Arsenal after running the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of the travelling supporters.

Wilshere insists Arsenal do not fear facing anyone and is convinced they have enough quality to beat Manchester City on Wednesday – and win the competition.

Despite fielding a second string team, Arsenal showed their quality once again when they beat Liverpool in the last round.

Wilshere has made a full recovery from an ankle injury which forced him to miss the fourth-round tie and is gunning to help his team reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Wilshere said: “It will be good to play against Manchester City and I hope they play a full team. We’ll go there and believe we can win.

“It is realistic for us to win the trophy. I think we can beat Manchester City and if we do then the competition will be wide open. We can go all the way.”