Senderos to start in Cup semi

Philippe Senderos is set to play for Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn.

The 20-year-old Swiss central defender with just six Premiership starts has made a massive impression on manager Arsene Wenger since he came into the side on a regular basis to cover for the injured Sol Campbell.

And Wenger will have no hesitation in asking Senderos to line up at the Millennium Stadium as Arsenal push for the one piece of silverware they can win this season.

Wenger said: "Sol can play alongside Senderos but it is good that Senderos is in there and the centre-backs now have a competition. Senderos has emerged as a hard competitor for everyone."

Senderos has yet to appear on a losing side in the Premiership, the FA Cup or the Champions League and was again impressive in the 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday. Campbell has completed 90 minutes for the reserves but has not played in the first team since his return to full training.