Henry will be too fast and too skilful for our defence to handle; Parlour's runs from midfield will inevitably cause us trouble; Adams will be a rock and Seaman (should he play) will be Mr Invincible between the posts. Well - it doesn't have to be like that.

The biggest mistake we could make would be to pay them too much respect. They might demand it, but we shouldn't give it. While I wouldn't advocate charging at them in the first 10 minutes, if we come out with a high tempo and attempt to get in behind them early doors, they'll know there in for a tough game. If anything, we need them to respect us. That's the hard bit. We've got Scott Dobie who has been watched by Arsenal who'll be mad keen to impress. As long as he doesn't try TOO hard, and people like Prokas and Birch don't dive in too recklessly, and we keep our shape, Atkins is the sort of canny manager who might just be able to outfox even someone so respected throughout the game as Arsene Wenger. I reckon we'll know 10 minutes into the game whether there is any hope of an upset. You can tell in games like these. If we're still in the game at half-time I'll be jubilant. If we're 0-0 with 20 minutes left we must have a real chance. I'm sure that if Arsenal are to win, they'll do the business in the first half an hour or so. If not, they are liable to crumble. Honest.

Still not convinced? Well consider this - the Arse are in an injury crisis and they've also played three games in just five days. In contrast we haven't kicked a ball for over a fortnight. Maybe we'll be rusty? Or perhaps fresher? The Gunners are coming off a shocking 1-0 loss at Charlton. They'll feel a little deflated. Let's hope Ian Atkins had a word with the CUFC Old Boys consortium of Mervyn Day and Tony Caig to ask about the secret of beating them. Ted Swainson should have a nice pitch ready as it too has not seen action for a long time - five weeks in fact. This could of course favour the Arse and their silky passing game.

When Arsenal last came here for an FA Cup tie, we paid them too much respect early on and they scored after 6 minutes. That was a much better Carlisle team than the current outfit, so we can't afford to make the same mistake twice. And the history books show the last time the Gunners came to Cumbria, they actually lost 2-1, in a Division 1 match in December 1974. So you can say we're on a roll against them.

It's all in the breeding you see. When you combine the devastating pace of Thierry Henry with the midfield dash of Ray Parlour and the competitive instincts of Patrick Vieira, you already have a winning combination. Add in the defensive rock that is Tony Adams, not to mention the impressive left-sided Brazilian Silvinho, and you can sense that United are struggling to match the mighty Gunners in any position. Arsenal have so much strength in depth, they can call on people like Wiltord, Lauren, Cole, Stepanovs and Luzhny and still look totally dominant.

United's back-up consists mostly of their youngsters. Promising they may be, but hardly Premiership class. If Carlisle are losing, the main tactic for Ian Atkins may well be to bring on Carl Heggs. What does Arsene Wenger do in the same situation? Slip on Robert Pires perhaps? He happens to be the man who set up the goal that won Euro 2000 and in Sylvain Wiltord, the Gooners also have the scorer of the injury-time goal that allowed France to stay alive in the Euro 2000 final and eventually defeat Italy.

In short, Arsenal ooze class from every pore. They have played more big games in the last three years than Carlisle's players have done in their entire careers. They can handle the pressure. If Carlisle come at them, they will not buckle. They have an astute and well balanced manager who doesn't panic in a crisis. They are serene when all around them is falling apart. They will not lose at Brunton Park.

But I still hope they have on off-day...

Ian Stevens
Bounced back to top form after a season in the wilderness at Wrexham. Stevo is a very good lower-division striker who does most of his work in and around the penalty box. Despite initial doubts about his sharpness, he has worked hard in training to prove to everyone that he still has what it takes. Recently hit by injury, which has caused him to miss five starts so far. Struck five goals in five games early in the campaign.

Stuart Whitehead
Whitehead has been United's best defender for the past three seasons. Responded well to being made captain by Atkins in the summer. Re-found his best form in defence and even moved up into midfield with a familiar calm assurance. Another player capable of playing at a higher level and will be a key man in the fight to avoid relegation.

Mick Galloway
Brought in on loan from Chesterfield, this redoubtable midfield man has proved to be a very astute purchase. Hoping to sign permanently in time for the clash with Arsenal. Galloway is the key man in midfield alongside Richard Prokas. Has jumped ahead of Steve Soley after last season's top scorer succumbed to injury. Should start the match with Soley on the bench. Plays short, sensible passes and also packs a fierce shot from distance.

Richard Prokas
Penrith's finest has bounced back to produce some of his best form in the past two months. The partnering of the 24-year-old hard tackling local lad with Galloway has given Carlisle fresh impetus in the middle of the park. If Vieira plays, this could be a no-holds-barred struggle. Doesn't pull out of tackles and always gives 100% in every game.

Dennis Bergkamp
Enigmatic Dutchman has been beset by injury and has yet to produce his best this season. Helped destroy England in the World Cup qualifiers in 1993 before completing his move to Highbury from Internazionale in 1995. A flair player in every sense of the word. Scored a stunning goal against Argentina in the '98 World Cup. Injury could keep him out but it would be a treat to see him in action.

Thierry Henry
The new maestro of Highbury. Converted from a pacy winger who provided goals to someone who scored them with monotonous regularity last season. One of the fastest players in the Premiership and combines it with great ball control. World Cup winner in 1998 and also a champion at Euro 2000 with France. A man who could quite easily win Saturday's Cup tie single-handed. However, a recently-acquired knock threatens his participation. Carlisle would be happy to see him miss out.

Kanu
The African enigma. Even more so than Bergkamp. Doesn't dominate games and still lacks stamina after a life-threatening illness a few years ago. Brings world-class touches to the Arsenal side. Always likely to light up a game and famously scored a hat-trick in 20 minutes at Chelsea last season.

Patrick Vieira
The fiery Frenchman has been a key part of the Gunners' midfield now for four years. Combines aggression with long-range shooting ability and some very silky touches. His weakness is his temper which tends to have a very short fuse. His battle with Prokas could be the key part of the match at Brunton Park. Expect fireworks one way or the other.

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