The majority of football clubs are considered lucky to be in the latter stages of the Cup once a season, never mind having two exciting Cup clashes in two consecutive evenings. However, that’s what Arsenal fans can look forward to as Steve Bould’s Under 18’s take on Manchester City in the F.A Youth Cup tonight.
The fixture comes just 24 hours after the first-team edged past Hull and into the semi-finals of the F.A Cup. Bould’s boys are already at that stage, and know a similar result against City would stand them in good stead ahead of the return leg at Emirates Stadium.
There has almost been the feeling around the young Gunners that this is really their year. However, Manchester City will have good right to believe the same, after showing similar form to that which saw them beat Chelsea in last seasons final. Man for man, or should I say boy for boy, neither side really has an XI filled with well known prospects, but both teams have been in fantastic form in the last 12 months.
Arsenal and City have been almost unstoppable in the League this season, but that will surely count for nothing tonight.
In terms of team news, Bould should continue with the squad that has served him so well in the earlier rounds, and they’ll be no excuses after being rested from League duty in recent weeks. The major loss is of course striker Rhys Murphy, who’s been ruled out for 4 weeks after limping out of the Reserves’ defeat to West Ham last Monday.
Shea
Eastmond – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Coquelin – Frimpong
Wilshere – Thomas – Watt
Sunu
Subs – Mann – Evina – Freeman – Deacon – Afobe
Match Prediction – Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
Kick off is at 7pm at the City of Manchester Stadium. Please note that this fixture is only the first leg – details of the second will follow shortly. Live audio commentary will be available via Arsenal TV Online (outside of the UK & Ireland only). If you cannot watch/listen the game for any reason, a full Match Report will be available shortly after full time.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Do you know of any streams, Jay?
J, can you shed any more light on the Pablo Saranova link? Has a decision been made on Wellingon yet? cheers and top work as ever
It’s Man City v Arsenal your team is aaway.
STREAMS??? I gotta watch this, anyone?
Why isn’t this on Arsenal TV?
Would love if someone can relay the ArsenalTVOnline stream for all of us.
All you’d have to do is switch on your speakers and microphone at the same time and get onto shoutcast or something else.
Like Hatch said, do you have any information on the Pablo Saranova transfer rumours. I’ve read somewhere that he compared his playing style to that of David Silva (sounds good to me). We’re also interested in Sergio Marcos, 16-year old player from Atletico Madrid. Does anyone know something about him, playing style etc. ?
Follow it here
http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112721
from a city perspective :-)
1-0 City after 45 mins. Sunu is really shit and we have no goal threat what so ever with that kid up front.
1-1 now, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas just scored a header from a Jack Wilshere corner. This is much better from us after a mediocre first 45.
We’ve struck the woodwork twice in the last half an hour, and we’re playing a lot better now.
1-2 Arsenal and I a take it back Sunu score the second after Thomas equalises. Sunu is magnificent.
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I’ll throw my 2cents regarding the Spanish players – Pablo Saranova and Sergio Marcos
I’m more familiar with Marcos since he’s an Atletico player with a great left foot. Great technique, excellent vision and 1st touch, passing ability is superb, very quick player who can play the wings or preferably as an AMF. Only problem is he seems bit small around 168cm but strong on the ball. As stated, he’s only 16 so he might grow but regardless is considered one of the best “cantera” players in Atletico. Rumors are that Atletico will lose him due to not being offered a contract and will leave on a free in June
I have heard about Saranova who’s an Espanyol product. Another 16 yr old prodigy who’s being hailed as the next “Silva” who plays mostly on the LW. From what I read, he’s got pace, acceleration, great crossing ability and good dribbling ability about 175cm tall so he’s got some height. Seems like he was scouted at a Dubai youth cup where Arsenal scouts were very impressed. However, he has stated he’s happy at Espanyol
Another player I heard we’re looking at is Sarabia from Real Madrid. This one seems like the real deal because there’s a lot of buzz about him. Plays mostly center mid or attacking mid, excellent technique, isn’t afraid to run at defenders, creative, great vision, likes the ball at his feet and makes things happen. Sarabia and Borja (another Atletico product) are the 2 best players on the U-17 Spain and recently scored 2 goals in 3 games during U-17 qualifiers.