Arsenal’s table topping Under 18’s return to action tomorrow morning, looking to defend a 4 game unbeaten run against a fruitful Southampton Academy.
A little setback at Fulham two weeks ago could have been a turning point, but an exciting victory over Norwich last time out puts Steve Bould’s boys back on the front foot. Despite injuries taking their toll on the squad, it’s tribute to the abundance of quality in the ranks that the title ambitions have been kept alive.
Indeed, second years Kyle Bartley, Tommy Cruise, Gilles Sunu and Rhys Murphy are all professionals and offer Reserves experience. Rhema Obed, Emmanuel Frimpong and Luke Freeman are the only first year scholars that have forced their way into the team, although the latter duo will be missing for tomorrows game.
Sunu and Murphy were in the goals last week, however Roarie Deacon’s average performances recently could see him replaced by the free scoring Benik Afobe, in the only real difficult decision left to be made.
Predicted Starting XI
Shea
Obed – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Rasmussen – Coquelin – Eastmond – Sunu
Deacon/Afobe – Murphy
Southampton have had mixed fortunes this campaign – 4 wins, 3 defeats and 2 draws leaves them with 14 points, and an extremely thin chance of catching the rampant Gunners at the top. The likes of Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale have progressed through The Saint’s system, so a good batch of kids will be on show down on the South coast.
Kick off is at 11am, and a Match Report will be available later in the day.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Hey J. do u know or what date when Arsenal would be playing Southampton Away?
Sorry Mike? I don’t understand.
Arsenal are playing Southampton away, tomorrow.
are Arsenal playing at home or away?
Away mate.. if you saw the latter bit of the article.
“so a good batch of kids will be on show down on the South coast”
Hey, do you guys ever think Shea will be Premiership or Championship quality? He’ll probably rot in the Cambridge Utd…reserves. He is definitely our young guns’ weakest link. We should sign another 16 or 17 year old goalkeeper who actually does well and keeps clean sheets in the U18s league and release him. Then we would have a much better U18s, definitely.
soz my bad. didnt read it thoroughly.
I don’t think he will ever make it here, he is far too small.
No problem Mike.
The official team is:
Shea
Eastmond-Bartley-Ayling-Cruise
Rasmussen-Thomas-Coquelin-Sunu
Afobe-Murphy
+ Mann, Byles, Blackwood, Deacon
Where is cedric evina ct the moment?
arsenal win 2-1 coquelin and ayling..
Evina came on as sub for Cruise today