With Arsenal’s Champions League Group clash against Fenerbahçe taking centre stage this evening, the usual attention will be off Neil Banfield’s Reserves as they take on West Ham United at Bishop Stortford.
A shaky start to the season has seen the Gunners’ challenge for the title become somewhat disjointed, although after edging past Stoke last time out, confidence remains high. West Ham are one of England’s most infamous clubs when it comes to youth development, but with a large number of first team faces currently on the road to recovery, The Hammers are set to put out a strong team.
New signings Jan Lastuvka and Walter Lopez should start, whilst Calum Davenport, James Collins, Freddie Sears, Lee Bowyer and former Arsenal winger Luis Boa Morte offer Premiership experience.
The visitors will have the opposite issue. Half of the first choice team have been away with their countries in the last weeks, indeed Rui Fonte and Wojciech Szczęsny still remain in their home lands. Injuries have also taken hold, Sanchez Watt and Conor Henderson will miss most of the campaign, Francis Coquelin is again a doubt.
However, Rene Steer, James Dunne, Abu Ogogo and Paul Rodgers all return from trials at Cheltenham and Nottingham Forest respectively, they are in contention for places in the squad. Amaury Bischoff is expected to play his second game for the club as his rehabilitation continues, Rhys Murphy is the favourite to replace Fonte in attack.
Predicted Starting XI & Bench
Mannone
Ayling – Bartley – Hoyte (c) – Cruise
Wilshere – Randall – Mérida
Bischoff
Murphy – Simpson
Subs – Shea – Rodgers – Ogogo – Dunne – Sunu
Prediction – Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
A fiery London derby is on the cards, especially with Mark Randall going up against the tenacious Lee Bowyer in the midfield engine room. The two forwards both have goals to their names this term, and with Bischoff, Wilshere and Mérida offering support, we’re predicting a win.
Kick off is at 7pm, the game is live on Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online, with highlights available on Wednesday morning on the official website. Should you not have access to any of these, a Match Report will be posted on the Full Time whistle right here on Young Guns.
Article By – J.Sanderson
J, that is commitment mate – you will be missing the first team game. stupid fixture list anyway. good team though.
Wilshere is in England U17s squad (along with Luke Freeman and Emmanual Frimpong) for tournament in Tenerife which starts tomorrow, so I doubt you’ll see him tonight in Bishops Stortford ;-)
http://www.thefa.com/England/U17s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/U17s_qualifying_squad_08.htm
hoyte is in first team!!!
The strating line-up could easily be reverted to a 4-4-2 but because of Bischoff’s lack of fitness maybe he will play behind. I still think it will be a 4-4-2 as defensive cover is not too strong. The defense is exciting. They are all Englishmen and our best talents in those positions (you can add Gibbs there too).
I think you may be wrong with the West Ham selection. We had a new 14 year old against Chelsea last week. I understand the new policy at WHU is that results must not be put before giving the youngsters experience. Arsenal will win 3 – 0.
Is Lansbury still banned or is he injured?
Lansbury is banned.
With Lansbury banned and Wilshere playing for England tomorrow this should be the line up.
Mannone
Ayling Hoyte Bartley Cruise
Bischoff Randall Thomas, Merida
Simpson Murphy
subs; Shea, Dunne, Rodgers, Sunu, Ogogo
J, Great site! Hey what happen to S.Watt & F. Coquelin. I have Arsenaltv online here in Delmar NY and I love following every aspect of the club, but like every fan of The Arsenal I’m worried about the center of defence, In your opinion or anyone else who from the youth is the most promising to fill that position? Or who do think could help in the January window? Peace, Matt& Maeve.
According to the arsenal website Coqueline starts.
ArsenalVito Mannone
Abu Ogogo
Gavin Hoyte
Paul Rodgers
Rene Steer
Francis Coquelin
Mark Randall
Fran Merida
Amaury Bischoff
Jay Simpson
Rhys Murphy
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!
I am soo excited to see that back four , I think Paul , Rene , Abu will perform amazing as they must feel this is their last chance. Im happy to see Rhys Murphy back him and Jay Simpson will do the business
It will be a testing time for the back four as west ham, have some quite powerful and experienced players.
I hope they do well though and eventually go on to do well after Arsenal
Er Wishire is God … he is everywhere at the same time????!!!!Or maybe not.
Where’s Kyle Bartley
Wilshere is with England , Bartley should be on the bench.
Jan Lastuvka
Jordan Spence
Calum Davenport
James Collins
Walter Lopez
Hayden Mullins
Jack Collison
Junior Stanislas
Kyel Reid
Luis Boa Morte
Freddie Sears
@ Frank_Butcher
Well he’s not on the bench
Substitutes Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
James Shea
Luke Ayling
Gilles Sunu
Rui Fonte
Craig Eastmond
Jordan Spence, Jack Collison, Kyle Reid and Freddie Sears should have big futures at West Ham.
James Dunne Signed For Forest
Well done dunny
2 greats balls by fabregas ….2 – 0 arsenal…
diaby has got great ball control for a big man i must say
anyone got info on Kyle Reid?
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