Emmanuel Adebayor wants to face Arsenal in Carling Cup

Emmanuel Adebayor is desperate NOT to be taken out of the firing line for Manchester City's potentially explosive re-match with Arsenal.

The two teams meet in the Carling Cup quarter-finals next month.

Gunners striker Robin van Persie has already admitted he is keen for a showdown with the man who raked his face in the Premier League clash between the two sides back in September.

Adebayor has responded by telling friends he is "more than ready" for the contest, expected to be screened live by Sky Sports next month.

The Togo striker was given a three-match ban for that act and a suspended ban for his controversial celebration after scoring in the 4-2 win for City.

But since then there have still been simmering tensions and a bitter war of words between Adebayor - a £25million summer signing for City - Van Persie and the Arsenal fans.

Immediately after the clash Van Persie released a strongly-worded statement branding Adebayor's stamp "mindless and malicious"

Only last week Van Persie described Adebayor as "a waste of time" in a magazine interview.

The towering striker hit back by calling Arsenal fans fickle, accusing the Arsenal players of refusing to shake his hand before the match and insisting skipper Cesc Fabregas would be the next big star to quit the club.

Nervous City chiefs have already told Adebayor to keep a low profile in recent weeks and are fearful that a repeat of September's powder-keg affair could result in another suspension.

But a source close to the player said last night: "Manu doesn't think he has done anything wrong so why should he have to hide?

"If Manchester City want to win then they will need to play their best players and Manu is one of them."

Adebayor was widely vilified for racing the length of the pitch before coming to rest in front of the Arsenal fans in the controversial league match on September 13.

He was subsequently fined £25,000 by the FA on top of a two-match suspended ban.

A steward was hurt as missiles were pelted at the City frontman who sat with his arms outstretched in front of the baying Gunners support.

But Adebayor maintains he was provoked by the behaviour of the Arsenal fans.

He insisted afterwards he would do the same again after hearing racist songs being song by a section of the Arsenal support directed at him.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would normally select his youngsters in the Carling Cup but Van Persie has indicated a willingness to play in the tie.

There is every likelihood, however, that Adebayor will play as City boss Mark Hughes has fielded his best players in every round of the competition he sees as the club's best route to silverware this season.