Arsenal legend Alan Smith fears his former side are vulnerable to a cup upset by Shrewsbury Town at what he believes will be an uneasy Emirates tonight.

The Gunners face the most testing period in their recent history after a turbulent start to the season.

On top of losing influential midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri at the tail-end of the summer, Arsenal have registered just one Premier League victory all season while their leaky defence have conceded 12 times in their last three domestic outings – including an 8-2 hammering at Old Trafford and a 4-3 reverse at Blackburn on Saturday.

And ex-striker Smith believes life will be far from straight-forward in tonight’s Carling Cup third round encounter against Graham Turner’s in-form League Two outfit.

“It could make for an uncomfortable night for Arsenal,” said Smith, who scored 115 times in 318 starts for the Gunners.

“It will probably be the biggest game of the careers of the Shrewsbury players in front of a big crowd in a beautiful stadium and that can be dangerous.”

“Arsenal have got to be very professional and get the job done but if ever there was a time for an upset, Shrewsbury must think this will be it.

“I didn’t give Blackburn too much of a chance at the weekend but they have shown everyone there are goals to be scored against this Arsenal team,”said Smith.

And while Smith believes Arsenal’s defensive short-comings offer Town hope of a major upset, he also believes the home fans could also be in restless mood tonight.

“The fans have not turned on Arsene Wenger but they are not quite sure what to make of it all.

“The issues that have been with the squad for the last two or three years show no signs of being repaired so that is worrying.

“I don’t think he can afford to field a team of kids because they have to get through this match. It’s one game to the next for Arsenal at the moment,” added the former Gunner.