Arsenal’s Reserves return to action this evening, as Neil Banfield takes his young charges across London to do battle with Fulham at their Motspur Park training complex.
The difference between 2nd place Arsenal and 4th place Fulham is just one point. The state of the League is epitomised by the fact that just 4 points separates the Gunners and third from bottom Portsmouth, whilst three sides currently have 13 points – with this evening’s opponents being one of them.
Fulham have a mixed record at developing youth talent, and the ‘never know what you’re going to get’ side to the Whites has transmitted onto the pitch. In recent seasons Banfield’s boys have been on the end of some thrashings, but the past two campaigns have brought better form.
November’s 2-0 win at Underhill showed the prowess of the second-string squad, as Portuguese duo Amaury Bischoff and Rui Fonte did the damage either side of the break.
Tonight will see a real test of form, as both sides are unbeaten in four Reserves League South fixtures.
Of the team that walked away with the points at a rainy Underhill before Christmas, only one player remains in the starting XI for the return clash; Amaury Bischoff. The 21-year-old won the Gunners the game with a stunning volley and then assist for fellow countryman Fonte in the second half. He starts tonight, playing just off live-wire Frenchman Gilles Sunu.
James Shea makes his first start at this level, replacing Vito Mannone between the sticks. Mark Randall returns from suspension to lead a flamboyant midfield containing out-of-form winger Jack Wilshere, Under 18 skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and versatile speedster Sanchez Watt.
Shea
Eastmond – Nordtveit – Bartley – Cruise
Wilshere – Randall – Thomas – Watt
Bischoff
Sunu
Subs – Evina – Ayling – Ozyakup – Deacon
Match Prediction – Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
Kick off it at 7pm (GMT) at Fulham’s Motspur Park headquarters. The fixture is being shown live on Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV Online, with Match Highlights being broadcast later in the week.
Should you not be able to catch the game for whatever reason, check back immediately after the full time whistle (around 9pm) for an in depth Match Report and analysis.
Article By – J.Sanderson
wheres coquelin, is he injured?
“out-of-form winger Jack Wilshere” haha
Think i’ll watch this tonight although wouldn’t mind seeing the scousers whacked. Don’t think you need to highlight the out of form bit with Wilshere. He is only a kid after all. I don’t think you get “form” until your atleast 18.
Anyone have the score?
He’s not really out of form. He’s just being left out of the first team squads because there’s reserve or youth games the next day. That way he is guaranteed playing time and will develop properly instead of warming the first team bench frequently.
Just a shame afobe isn’t able 2 play he might have started otherwise. Js do u no if afobe has begun 2 train fulltime with the first team ala jack wilshere?
Jack wilshere is definitely out of form. Watching the game and we need a striker to hold the ball up sunu cant and jay thomas has not been involved. Kyle Bartley and Nordviet look very good. Randall looks faster, and keeping the ball better. Bischoff looks like hes the one who can unlock fulhams defence. Watch it on http://www.livestation.com download it and click arsenal tv
Reserves are currently losing 3-0
Trynna watch the game on Arsenal TV Online but is any1 else getting the media blocked message??? When I try to watch anything on Live, it’s displaying the following message: “This content is only available outside the UK and Ireland”. I live in Bedfordshire and this has been like this for over a week or so!! Please let me know if any1 else is having thi sprob. Thanx
arsenal tv online is bullshi* its saying u can only watch da match if u r out of england or irland its shight
whats da final score and who scored and jack jack is outstanding hes the next george best but better u watch
whats the score
Arsenal were garbage tonite apparantly… Fulham won.
who won????
whos the bigger talant Benik Afobe or Deacon
Final score: 3-0 for Fulham
Coquelin is ill and Arsenal want him at 100% for the FA Youth Cup game.
“out of form” loool
lol good prediction, we got battered. I assume u didn’t anticipate the fact that they would play Kamara and Barnes!!
3-0, bit of a thrashing, though they had some senior players in the team.
have to say the defence buckled more than i would have expected. nordtveit was pretty average, and is nowehere near ready for 1st team action in any form. i think another yr in the reserves, then loaned out for a yr.
looks a good team
why only 4 subs???????????????
HEY guys! a little off topic… How good do you think davide santon of inter is? Is he better compared to our own full backs? is he a rb or a lb? do arsenal have good rbs with potential? Anyone, pls share information that u have. Do you think Le Boss may bid for him in the future??
How good is Craig Eastmond?
psh….bitch i got dropped from the u15s school team when i was 14 because of bad form… nd then i strted smoking nd by the time i was 16 i couldent neither run fast nor far and then everything went wrong football wise :(
Lookin forward to the match tonite, if ur starting line-up prediction holds true theres a few plyers i havent seen all that much of playin so that’ll be cool, plus Bischoff which is always interesting plus Thomas who i LOVE just a little bit…
Oh bugger…game was yesterday, i missed it :'(
Ah well… 3-0 loss, didnt miss much.
Santon is a very good left back. Hampered slightly as he is a right footer playing on the left therefore not the greatest force attacking wise but the plus is no-one can cut in against him. Tall, strong and quick. We have good left backs, better than Gibbs but he will also get better. We can’t sign him as he will cost too much.
I cant see traore being better than gibbs and botelho is still a while away from the first team. I think gibbs is the best lb at arsenal after clichy.May be botelho is better in attacking but still gibbs is the best according to me.
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