Arsenal V Reading (Under 18's) Match Preview

Arsenal’s Under 18’s are in action tomorrow morning, away against Reading Under 18’s with the young Gunners looking to close the gap on leaders West Ham who are currently 5 points clear, but have played 3 games more.

Neil Banfield and Steve Bould have switched the side around in recent week, with the older more established players being kept in one separate group, and the scholars playing the Under 18 fixtures.

Led by skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, things have turned around in since the group separation, with a draw against Norwich, which in all fairness we could have, and should have won, and an impressive home win last week against Charlton, however with players being called up to International duty, and the forthcoming Nike Cup, the squads will against be stretched meaning the title push could falter as the season comes to its climax.

Away fixtures have not been our strong point this term, but tomorrow’s opposition, are one of the poorest in the League, and a win definitely on the cards, three points should all but seal our “play off place” with the Gunners then being on 43 points.

Arsenal Team News:

Henri Lansbury is again still out with Glandular fever, and there is still no date set for his return, but as he is on pro terms, and would not have featured anyway.

Sanchez Watt has been awesome this season, and this game could see his long awaited return after injuries, but he is only rated as 50:50, Rhys Murphy should partner Gilles Sunu in attack, unless there is a shake up with the side, which is unlikely.

Ahmed Abdulla will not be called on, and is on the verge of agreeing terms with another side, Jonas Rasmussen could also feature.

Expected Team:

Szczesny
Blackwood – Ayling – Thomas (c) – Evina
Eastmond – Frimpong
Sunu – Wilshere – Freeman
Murphy

My Prediction – Arsenal 2-0 Reading

Arsenal’s Under 16’s are also in action against Reading tomorrow but at home, with mixed injury news:

The Following Are Currently Out:

• Nico Yennaris
  Cormac Hegarty
  Rhema Obed
  Ahmed Abdulla

But, The Following Are Back And Should Start:

• Benik Afobe
  Oliver Nicholas
  Sam Byles
  Jason Banton

Article By – J.Sanderson