Arsenal V Huddersfield – Friendly – Match Preview

As Arsenal travel to West Yorkshire for tonight’s friendly against Huddersfield Town, many of the players participating for the Gunners will have little idea of influence Herbert Chapman had on both club’s.

The average age of travelling party is just 18, meaning the clash with be a learning curve for both sets of players. Arsenal will learn to deal with the physical aspect, and Huddersfield will look to take on board the way the visitors move the ball.

Two promising 16-year-olds have travelled – Emmanuel Frimpong and Jack Wilshere – and the pair will be joined by a handful of last seasons star Under 18 performers. Captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will be joined by fellow defender Kyle Bartley, and live-wire forwards Rui Fonte and Sanchez Watt are also in.

Arsène Wenger is sure to start with his most ‘experienced’ side, with 19-year-old’s Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela expected to lead the line. The Hoyte brothers have had mixed fortunes during pre-season so far, and they will be looking for a confidence boosting clean sheet.

Fabianski (c)
J.Hoyte – Djourou – G.Hoyte – Gibbs
Lansbury – Randall – Ramsey – Wilshere
Walcott – Vela

Subs – Mannone, Bartley, E-Thomas, Fonte, Frimpong, Nordtveit, Watt, Simpson.

Huddersfield have added defensive re-enforcements over the summer, snapping up highly rated Andy Butler. The former Scunthorpe man will have his hands full this evening, with Walcott and Vela looking to add to their pre-season strikes.

Predicted Score – Arsenal 3-0 Huddersfield.

The game is live on ArsenalTV & online, meaning it will be also shown on Setanta Sports.

Should you miss the fixture, a full Match Report will be available immediately after the full-time whistle.

Article By – J.Sanderson