Arsenal Under 18’s boss Steve Bould will hand a competitive debut to Dutch midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup this morning as the Gunners look to cement their position at the top of the Academy League Group A table.
Özyakup recently captained the Holland Under 17 national team during a friendly win over Germany, but despite that success, and helping the Under 16’s to claim the Zinédine Zidane Tournament earlier in the summer, the former AZ Alkmaar play-maker is still waiting to make a competitive League appearance.
Following on from his three goals for Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s so far this campaign, Oğuzhan will be handed a start against a struggling Norwich City in the 11.30am kick off. The inclusion came after Francis Coquelin sustained yet another injury in training, the Frenchman was penciled in to make his second start this season at this level.
England starlets Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Rhys Murphy and Henri Lansbury have all now returned to North London, only the latter, Lansbury, is not expected to play some part. Murphy’s return coupled with Roarie Deacon’s excellent form means Benik Afobe will have to make do with a place on the bench, or even face a difficult reunion with strike partner Zac Ansah in the Under 16’s.
Whilst it is terrific news that ‘Ozzie’s’ brilliant performances have finally been awarded, the mere fact he is in the travelling party will be shadowed by the loss of the enthusiastic and hugely talented Coquelin. Sico’s tenacious nature and non-stop engine have proved valuable assets in Reserves encounters, and how Bould would have loved to call on them this morning.
You can see a Match Preview ahead of that game Here. A full Match Report will available tomorrow afternoon.
Article By – J.Sanderson
“difficult reunion” – how come??
Our young football players seem to be droping like flies
Hope Coquelin isn’t another Diaby or Aliadiere. They were supposed to be brilliant but injuries put paid to their progress. Coquelin has looked good everytime I’ve seen him play so I do hope that he can stay healthy and progress.
“difficult reunion” – how come??
i think thats just because afobe would have been looking forward to stepping up a level but will now return to the under 16’s
Jamie, Coquelin isnt injured ;)
He trained with the first team yesterday and he’s not injured. He will not play a lot with the U18s this season ;)
With Merída back, Randall flying, Bischoff getting fitter and Lansbury back from his ban (?), I’d have expected to see Coquelin play today, so he might have got injured yesterday?
Prediction for today’s game vs. Everton, 1-0.
http://www.arsene-al.co.uk
Why isn’t Lansbury expected to play?
Suspended or on Reserve duty on Monday if he isn’t..
http://www.arsene-al.co.uk
He is injured Thomas, he pulled out late last night.
ok arsenal loosing 1-0 at home…
not going to complain until after game.
We still haven’t learn’t the lessons of the Fulham & Hull defeats.
Fucking hell, almost 2-0.
The Youth team won 3-2, let’s hope the senior team can also come back to win !!!!
good thing i didnt complain lol
3-1