Arsenal V Aston Villa – Reserves – Match Preview

Reserves League South comes to a close tonight, with Arsenal taking the trip to the midlands for the second time in four days to face Champions Aston Villa.

After a promising start to the League, poor form just before Christmas has meant the title challenge was derailed. However a win tonight not only extends the 6 game winning streak to 7 fixtures, but would put Banfield’s boys second in the table. A fantastic achievement due to the age of the team Arsenal have put out this term.

The final game of the season, sees Neil Banfield give players who could be playing their last game for the club a run out. Kerrea Gilbert, Rene Steer and Abu Ogogo all start along with James Dunne. The four are expected to be released in the summer.

As reported last week Kieran Gibbs has returned from his loan spell, and a good performance tonight will see him feature for the first team against Everton and Sunderland. Schoolboys Emmanuel Frimpong and Jack Wilshere start from the bench.

The Confirmed Starting 11

Mannone
Gilbert (c) – Rodgers – Thomas – Steer
Ogogo – Dunne – Gibbs – Traore
Barazite – Fonte

Subs: Szczesny, Wilshere, Frimpong, Murphy, Cruise

Arsenal are without Captain Havard Nordtveit who is away with Norway Under 19s, Gilles Sunu is also away with France ahead of the Under 17’s European Championships. Henri Lansbury is still missing and is short of fitness and Gavin Hoyte is rested.

Aston Villa include a squad made up of mainly Under 19s, however friend of Emmanuel Adebayor Salifou starts, and watch out for Bannan and Herd both were superb on Saturday. Former Arsenal stopper Stuart Taylor is between the sticks.

Prediction – Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

Young Guns has got two or three predictions right this season, so my moneys on a two-nil win. Arsenal know a win is important, and Villa have a really young and tired squad out.

Article By – J.Sanderson

27 thoughts on “Arsenal V Aston Villa – Reserves – Match Preview

  • April 29, 2008 at 2:37 pm
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    since arsenal tv came along i have had the opportunity of watching the reserves. I strongly believe that there are four or five from the current bunch who can go onto make it at the emerites, star names for the future= wilshire (the most george best imitation ever) barazite, nordtveit, sunu,

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  • April 29, 2008 at 2:45 pm
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    great preview Jamie again!

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:08 pm
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    yeah i agree that those players will be released because they dont bring anything to the team imo but that midfield seems abit weak but lets just see.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:14 pm
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    in the next few months, you will see the side change so much, and emerge hopefully, stronger

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:14 pm
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    Jay Thomas is quality, hes got everything strength, passing,technique. i reckon he should be in the CC sqd nxt season. i’m a bit dissapointed Jack Wilshere aint starting on the right tonight

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:24 pm
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    Yea i agree Jay Thomas is a good player still needs abit more work before he could go in the cc sqd nxt season.I think there trying to stop the hype with jack wilshere

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:35 pm
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    great preview Jamie :)
    what time does it starts?

    1:2 for Arsenal – Barazite, Gibbs :)

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:42 pm
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    Does anyone think Fonte has a future? He’s hardly ever spoken about yet he’s one of the main reserves strikers. What are his strengths and weaknesses?

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  • April 29, 2008 at 3:59 pm
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    sanderson just thought youd like to know that it is confirmed that we’ve signed dimitrov.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:00 pm
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    Bulgarian newspaper The Sofia Echo have confirmed that Arsenal have signed Levski Sofia midfielder Nikolay Dimitrov for a reported £700,000 rising to £1 million.

    Dimitrov plays on the left wing and at 20 will probably start the season as first choice LM ahead of Vela. As it currently stands, Eduardo, who broke his foot is set to return to first team action before Rosicky who continues to have injury problems.

    The 20-year-old Bulgarian international came to Arsenal on a 15 day trial and impressed Wenger greatly. Unlike the other trainee Mputu, Wenger did not need a 2nd invitation and started negotiations straight away.

    Dimitrov said, “Its so exciting. The coaching staff are very kind and Arsenal are a very good team with good young player. I hope to lead Arsenal to as much silverware as possible but right now I must focus on my career.”

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:03 pm
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    seems a weakend reserve team, I agree with taking Wilshire out of spotlight but doesnt Murphy deserve a start.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:12 pm
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    I know Hicho personally and I’m trying to get in touch with him. It sounds strange, because I’ve never heard that newspaper that’s spreading the rumor. I’ll write here when i talk to him personally.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:21 pm
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    how do u know Hicho. does he want to come to arsenal

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:25 pm
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    I have known him for many years. When he came back from the trail, he didn’t stop talking about Arsenal. He was totally obsessed with the idea of playing under Wenger. I hope he is the first Bulgarian to play for arsenal. I’m trying to call him, but he has switched off his mobile.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:28 pm
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    7pm UK Time.

    Rui has alot to learn, he is pacy and really technical, but i think lacks that striker instint at times. at the moment, i would say.. no he wont make it.. but football can change quickly.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:29 pm
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    HOW MANY TIMES.

    ARSENAL GUNZ IS A BULLSHIT BLOG,

    The Website.. The Sofia Echo.. has nothing about this news..

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:33 pm
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    Quality Preview As Per Usual ;) .

    This could be the match where a lot of these young lads contracts will be decided.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:45 pm
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    chris, I think its more the window for the likes of Bruce,Jewell and co to look at our cast offs, and make a few cool million out of it while were at it.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:46 pm
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    J., to be honest I’m from Sofia and never heard of this newspaper. But the fact that I can’t get in touch with Hicho is telling me that this might be true.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 4:48 pm
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    I agree, for me this line up is made up mainly of those players who will be released or available on loan next season. I think there will be a fair few scouts at villa park.

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  • April 29, 2008 at 5:04 pm
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    Where is Gibbs? is that really the confirmed STarting 11

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