Arsenal V Dorchester Town – Friendly – Match Preview

Neil Banfield will take an Arsenal XI to Dorchester this evening, to take on a team of Dorchester Town’s past players in a friendly to pay tribute to Magpies legend Brian Benjafield for his service to the club.

Having ended Reserves League South a week today with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, Arsenal will come into the game on the back of a seven game unbeaten run, and are firm favourites for a big win this evening against the non league minnows.

Arsenal will have Mark Randall, Kieran Gibbs and Jay Simpson all available for selection after returning from loan spells, and the trio are all expected to start the fixture. However Gilles Sunu and Havard Nordtveit are away on international duty, whilst Henri Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte and Kyle Bartley are all injured.

After the game the players will be allowed to rest and recuperate after a long season, before learning their long term future with the club. Some of the players on show tonight will be released/loaned and it could be the final game for the club for some of the current second year professionals.

Predicted Arsenal Team

Mannone
Gilbert – Rodgers – Thomas – Steer
Ogogo – Randall – Dunne – Gibbs
Simpson (c) – Barazite

Kick off is at 7pm this evening at the The Jewson Stadium stadium in Dorset, tickets are still available for prices around £5 to £8, so if you want to get a glimpse of the future go down and have a watch, there is sure to be goals and entertainment.

Prediction – Dorchester 0-4 Arsenal

If you are going to this fixture this evening, can you contact me before you set off. Thanks

Article By – J.Sanderson

18 thoughts on “Arsenal V Dorchester Town – Friendly – Match Preview

  • May 6, 2008 at 4:17 pm
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    Must be Gilbert’s last game I reckon. Perhaps Ogogo and Steer too. Any other thoughts?

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  • May 6, 2008 at 4:19 pm
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    Dunne and Jay Simpson could also.

    but Simpson wants to stay it seems, and i welcome it.

    ” I want to be part of Arsenal’s future and you never know, I could get a chance in featuring in the last game of the season. That would be good. I got a lot out of my time with Millwall and I think I did well for them too, but it reaffirmed for me that I want to play my football at the highest level and I will do everything I can to make sure that I can do that with the Club I have loved since I was a child.”

    Reply
  • May 6, 2008 at 4:20 pm
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    All the boys who went to Italy, Wilshere, Freeman, and Frimpong will be rested.

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  • May 6, 2008 at 4:26 pm
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    Djororu has got to be near last chance saloon as well so maybe he will play what you think J

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  • May 6, 2008 at 4:33 pm
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    Djourou should play against Sunderland, he has been out for a long time, so its 1 step at a time.

    But yes he could play tonight, but i doubt it

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  • May 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm
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    I wished this match was televised on ArsenalTV.
    It’d be excellent of Simpson can force his way through to the first team. A boyhood Arsenal supporter that can play at the highest level among the best of them would always be welcome I’d say.

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  • May 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm
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    I just hope Simpson gets a chance next season in the carling cup as he could be another Bentley/Pennant kinda player.

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  • May 6, 2008 at 5:50 pm
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    Any offical news on the player signed from Alkmaar yet? Did he travel to Italy or is he on international duty?

    Reply
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  • May 6, 2008 at 6:20 pm
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    Jay Simpson ability wise is not fit to lace the boots of eather David Bentley or Jermaine Pennant

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  • May 6, 2008 at 6:29 pm
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    It would be great to see a local lad make it into the first team, but I’m not too sure whether it will be Simpson, given that he was loaned to a league 1 team and he was not one of the ‘players of the future’ named by Arsene recently. Although it could be that he needs another season on loan with a championship or premiership club before a final decision is made. It’s also great to hear such desire to stay with the club, given recent events elsewhere!

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  • May 6, 2008 at 6:31 pm
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    ‘Gooner32G, he’s at the Under 17 European Championships. You can follow his progress on EuroSport if you have it.

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  • May 6, 2008 at 6:31 pm
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    anywhere where the game will be shown like Arsenal tv online or anything?

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  • May 6, 2008 at 6:59 pm
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    Cheers RVP!!…But is he an Arsenal player officialy yet or is it still speculation

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  • May 6, 2008 at 8:13 pm
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    do u kno da score Jamie, & wat u fink will happen to Dunne and Gilbert & Ogogo after this?

    Reply
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