Arsene Wenger is ready to show just what the "new generation" at Arsenal can do in the Carling Cup this season.

The Gunners host Sheffield United in the third round tomorrow with Wenger again using the competition to blood young talent.

Last season, Arsenal reached the semi-finals and the manager has high hopes that players such as Wales Under-21 midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and reserve team captain Gavin Hoyte will show they have a big future.

"I am very excited because it is a new generation where the youngest boy is Wilshere at 16, then there is Randall, Gibbs and so on," said Wenger.

"I believe it is very interesting to see a new generation come through, which is a little bit helped by having more experienced players around them, even though they are also young.

"It is always an adventure with a young group together and they can give you a bit of a view of how life at Arsenal could be in three or five years' time.

"It is a good opportunity for us to give young players a chance to show how good they are."

Poland stopper Lukasz Fabianski is set to take over from Manuel Almunia in goal tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old believes he has learned a lot from the experiences of last season, which included conceding five at White Hart Lane, but saw him end the campaign with three successive appearances in the final Premier League matches.

"It is really important to be patient," said the former Legia Warsaw keeper. "The best way to do that is to work hard and to wait for your chance."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have tied up Johan Djourou on a new, long-term contract.

The 21-year-old Switzerland international, who joined the Gunners in 2003, has made four appearances this season, coming off the bench to replace Gael Clichy in the win over Bolton.