Arsenal will look to in-form striker Robin van Persie to help the London club overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the League Cup semifinals against second-tier Ipswich.
The Netherlands international has scored six goals in his last three games - including a hat trick against Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday - and appears rejuvenated after finally returning to full fitness following an ankle injury.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has slowly integrated Van Persie back into the first team since the striker's comeback in November, rotating him with close-season signing Marouane Chamakh and Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner for the cup competitions.
But there is no doubt Van Persie is Wenger's No. 1 choice up front and he may be asked by the French coach to start at the Emirates Stadium for a second game in four days as the Gunners attempt to turn the two-legged match on its head.
"Robin is now completely sharp and fit and strong. He looks strong mentally," Wenger said. "Robin is an important player in our squad. He can finish, provide and the understanding with our offensive players is very good so, of course, he will be very important.
"Some players have played many games, but Van Persie has been out for a long time. Him and (Spain midfielder Cesc) Fabregas had a long breather and we hope he can benefit from that."
Arsenal, trophyless for over five years, slipped to a surprise defeat at Portman Road in the first leg two weeks ago, with Hungary striker Tamas Priskin scoring the only goal.
Wenger's side will still be favorite to progress, however, with Ipswich languishing in 19th place in the 24-team League Championship.
"If we beat Ipswich we will have one game to play to have a trophy and if we have that one, then it's out of the way," Van Persie said of Arsenal's silverware drought.
"I believe that can give us a lot of confidence as well, just to lift that trophy and get that feeling together."
In an all-Premier League meeting in the other semifinal, West Ham holds a 2-1 lead over Birmingham ahead of the second leg, which takes place at St. Andrews on Wednesday.
The Hammers, two-time runners-up in the competition, are bottom of England's top division but their form has improved in recent weeks. They have lost just two of their last nine games in all competitions.
The League Cup has proved to be a welcome distraction for West Ham manager Avram Grant, who last week was given a vote of confidence by the club's board despite widespread reports saying he was on the verge of being fired.
"I treat every match as my first game and my last game," Grant said. "Wednesday represents a good chance to get to Wembley. It would be a nice feeling to get there and we have a small advantage but it will be a tough game because it would be a big achievement for Birmingham too."
Birmingham is coming into the game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing at Premier League leader Manchester United on Saturday.
United is in action at midtable Blackpool on Tuesday in one of three league matches to be rearranged for this week.
Wigan hosts Aston Villa on Tuesday and Liverpool is at home to Fulham on Wednesday.
United, which remains unbeaten in the league after 22 games, is two points ahead of Arsenal having played a game less.
"The players are in the mood now and they're ready for the run-in," assistant manager Mike Phelan said.
United manager Alex Ferguson has Brazilian right back Rafael available after suspension but there are fitness concerns over center back Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Michael Carrick.
