Not because he's a more key team member than Vieira, or even Parlour, but because there's no clear front-runner to be his deputy, and because he's the one who's out for the longest (4 games). As it happens, he's injured anyway.

Given that Le Boss decided not to recall Moritz Volz from Fulham (apparently, if he had done so Premiership rules would have forbidden Volz from returning to Fulham this season), the choices appear to be threefold. The first 2 involve Pascal Cygan, either at right back himself or as a replacement for Kolo Toure in the middle with the Ivory Coast star moving wide, and the 3rd is youngster Justin Hoyte.

It will come as no surprise that Arseweb's first choice would be the youngster. Pat Rice has been saying that the 19 year-old is ready for it. "Extremely quick, good on the ball and a fine reader of the game - that is Justin Hoyte. You don't get recognition if you can't play and this boy has been in every England squad since 16." While we wouldn't wish to underestimate a Birmingham side who have done remarkably well this year (only us and Chelsea have lost fewer matches), it's probably not the hardest match to debut a defender in (City are in 5th position because of not conceding, not because of scoring), and we would obviously have Cygan on the bench in case it went wrong and his experience was felt to be required. But the preference for Hoye is not so much to do with lack of confidence in Cygan. He's looked fine when he's come off the bench this season, and is apparently performing well in the reserves. Second choice would be Cygan at full-back: anything but disrupting the central pairing of him and Sol.

On the official site, Wenger goes through the options. Sounds like he's discounted Cygan for right-back, and reading between the lines I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Toure moved wide. Le Boss says that Hoyte deserves to play, but also says stuff about "getting the balance right" for a result, and usually that seems to mean leaving a youngster out.

As well as missing Vieira and Parlour through suspension, Gilberto is expected to be rested following his exertions (and travelling) for Brazil this week (he only got back on Friday afternoon), and Wiltord has a groin tendon problem. So the midfield is interesting too. Freddie, Bob, and Edu will presumably play, and it could be that Bergkamp will get a midfield start too. But perhaps Kolo will be moved upfield!

This will be Arsene Wenger's 400th match in charge. See Arsenal.com for his impressive total record.

The good news from Birmingham is that they are missing star striker Christophe Dugarry, who has a twisted knee. Mikael Forssel should start up front, having just had his loan from Chelsea extended, and be partnered by Clinton Morrison or Stern John.