Baggies will need to be on very top of their game

WEST BROM boss Gary Megson is under no illusions about the size of his side’s task as they bid to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals tonight.

Megson knows his Baggies will need to be on the very top of their game if they are to add Arsenal to their list of Premiership scalps in the competition this season.

After bundling Manchester United out in the last round earlier this month, hopes are high that Albion will extend their 11-match unbeaten run at the expense of Arsene Wenger’s likely inexperienced side.

But Megson warned: “If they’re young players then obviously they’re the best you can get and if they put out their strongest first team then we’re in trouble.

“It will be similar to the Manchester United game and it is nice to come up against these big clubs whatever side they put out.

“We just have to play whoever is in the away dressing room on the night.”

He added: “We’ve got to create something for the fans to get excited about. We did it against Manchester United after six minutes and in the first seven minutes against Crewe we scored and had loads of shots.

“But we gave away two slack goals on Saturday after dominating the game and I expect much better from my players.”

Albion’s chances have been hit by the likely absence of midfield playmaker Jason Koumas, who missed training with a hamstring strain.

Meanwhile, Lauren looks likely to return for Arsenal at The Hawthorns. The former Cameroon international defender has been out of action for a month due to suspension and a knee injury. But Wenger is still committed to resting all of the first-team players who started the weekend win against Blackburn.

There will therefore again be several younger players involved, as in previous rounds against Rotherham and Wolves.

However, there will still be several recognisable faces up against West Brom, including Kanu, Ray Parlour, Edu, Sylvain Wiltord, Martin Keown and Jeremie Aliadiere.

And Wenger said: “Lauren has a fitness test before the game but he has a 90% chance of starting the match.”

The player, who underwent knee surgery during his four-game ban following his part in the Old Trafford melee, nevertheless faces a battle to win his first-team place back. He must prove he can oust Pascal Cygan from the side, especially with Kolo Toure having filled in at right-back with several accomplished displays.