Jim'll fix it

Manchester City v Arsenal
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Semi-Final, First-Leg
City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City FC
7pm, Wednesday 18 March 2009

Manchester City manager Jim Cassell admits he'd love to retain The FA Youth Cup because a predominantly new squad of players would be responsible for the success.

City, who beat Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate in last season's Final, host Arsenal in the First-Leg of this year's Semi-Final this evening.

But given the fact that most of the current side were not involved in last season's campaign, Cassell believes it will be an even bigger achievement to lift the trophy again.

"From a prestige point of view, it would be great to win it again. Only three of four players in this squad figured last year, though, so if we do go on and win the title, it won't really feel like we've retained it but won it with a new team," he explained.

"It is always difficult with different players but we believe we can do it."

City are unbeaten in 25 league and cup games this season but Cassell - who has brought through the likes of Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips - knows they will face a tough challenge from Arsenal, who are looking to win the trophy for the seventh time.

"I saw them at Tottenham in the last round and they were excellent," he said.

"Liam Brady has done a great job there. However, at this level you never know what is going to happen. Young boys are inconsistent, it is just par for the course and it is difficult to know who will perform on the day.

"That said, we think all our players should go on to earn a living in league football. Whether that is at Premier League level remains to be seen and depends on their development, but they certainly have the talent to be successful."