Neil Banfield’s title chasing Arsenal Reserves begin their final assault for the Reserves League title tonight at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The fixture marks the first of three home games, before two away fixtures which includes Championship rivals Aston Villa. With just five games to go, it’s anyone’s guess who will be victorious.
It’s been over a month since the second string were last in League action, but Banfield has kept his charges busy. Behind closed door friendlies have filled the gap including one against MLS outfit Colorado Rapids. A selection of the squad have also returned from Dubai, where they took part in the recent Soccer 7’s Tournament. Nothing has been left to chance in the bid for success.
As usual, a handful of star players have gone out on loan, yet Sanchez Watt has opted to return to North London from Southend to aid the title assault. Rhys Murphy is also back, from loan and injury and he will be involved. Yet there are still gaps which need to be filled, meaning a selection of Steve Bould’s Under 18’s are likely to step up.
Captain Luke Ayling will continue his role alongside a defence which should remain largely unchanged. That means Francis Coquelin and Ignasi Miquel will play in the back four, but the front line is subject to some changes. How fit Rhys Murphy is to start and who will join Sanchez Watt on the flank, we are yet to see.
Predicted Starting XI
Shea
Coquelin – Ayling – Miquel – Cruise
Frimpong – Eastmond – Henderson
Afobe – Murphy – Freeman
Kick off is at 7pm at Barnet’s Underhill Stadium. Young Guns will have a Match Report shortly after the full time whistle.
Luke Ayling is joining Yeovil Town on loan so doubt he will play tonight
Ayling´s gone to yeovil on loan.
yip indeed!!
http://www.ytfc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10673~1994325,00.html?
Some people rate Ayling over Bartley. Bartley is playing for promotion team Sheff United in the CCC, Ayling will play for Yeovil. There is a definite difference.
Haha what is it that Bartley is just physicall more developed than ayling.
Ayling for me has a better football brain than bartley.
Ayling needs to learn the physical side but i think hes going to be a top top player for us plus hes leadershup skills are immense.
Bartley looks a class player as well maybe needs to improve technically
Don’t forget Bartley was reserves captain last year.
Tony
If you watched the Fa youth cup Ayling was Tony adams/John terry like performances. He was throwing his body all over the place. kyle bartley was good but the real leader was Luke Ayling
Ayling and Bartley kind of remindme of a ferdinand and terry partnership.
I thought Ayling was looking better than Vermalen in the preseason. But Vermalen has improved tremendously since then while Ayling had some set-backs. He and Bartley fits perfect and they are both different type of centre backs. Vermalen and Gallas fits perfect too. I think its good that they are not the same type of players and where they play right now doesn’t have to mean Bartley is the better player. It also depends who the other defender is I think. One day they will both playing for our first team together and I hope they do good. Silvestre is terrible so maybe they can be ahead of Djuroue.
Jom ur right u know i remeber the barnet game Ayling actually outshone Vermaelen. Vermaelen didnt look really good in pre season but the first game against Everton i think everyone was shocked by how good he actually was.
Pre-season is bollocks. Never any indication.
Ayling almost as good as the 23 year old former captain of Ajax? You are of your nut.
Well since you are not in your best form in pre-season, he dropped to reserves level. Also he was completely new to Arsenal and he was not surrounded by our best players. Ayling was looking very very comfortable in the centre back role for me. No wonder because he has played alot of competitive games for Arsenal. I’m pretty sure that Vermaelen would never take a spot in Ajax in that shape.
You should take a look in their current form instead of looking at their wikipedia page and judge by that. In preseason our best players is not always the best.
Ayling has good potential, but Bartley has the potential to make the first team bench next season. His performances in the Championship have been solid. He is probably a year ahead of Ayling due to the experience he’s gaining in the Championship. He will likely be fighting with Djourou for the fourth CB spot next seaosn. I think AW will buy in this position over the summer as Gallas and Campbell’s futures with the club are very uncertain.
who’s our third choice CB is Gallas and Vermaelen are our first two
Wow! This may well be the most comprehensive info I have found on this subject on the net. Would you consider hosting guest articles from others?
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