Preview: Reserves Begin Against United

Arsenal kick off their Premier Reserve League campaign this evening, at a time when Arsène Wenger’s project youth is under increased pressure and scrutiny from Arsenal fans, frustrated by its results.

Neil Banfield’s second string welcome Manchester United to Underhill, hoping to inject some positivity back into a club that has lost its captain on the eve of a crucial Champions League qualifier with Udinese. The Reserves come into the new term in excellent form, having won and dominated every one of their five pre-season fixtures, scoring 23 goals and conceding just one along the way.

The summer has been a fruitful one for Arsenal’s Catalan captain, and I don’t mean Fàbregas. Ignasi Miquel, fresh from playing a key role in Spain’s Under-19 European Championship triumph returns to English soil and will lead the Gunners out at Underhill. He’s expected to be joined by another international star, in Kyle Ebecilio. The Dutchman inspired Holland to Under-17 glory, and claimed the Golden Player award in doing so, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney, Nuri Şahin and the aforementioned Fàbregas.

Attention will also turn to those who won’t be there tonight. Conor Henderson has seen surgery on his damaged cruciate ligaments put back due to swelling, with a recovery time of at least six months to follow. Craig Eastmond and Gavin Hoyte are closing in on come backs, but will probably be too short to play this evening.

Banfield will have a strong side to choose from, and will no doubt ask if Henri Lansbury and Benik Afobe will be allowed to step down from first-team training to take part. If they get the green light, they’ll join Vito Mannone in facing what should be an experienced United lineup.

Premier Reserve League success would be the perfect tonic to a season that is tipped to be one of negativity, and you can follow all the action on Young Guns. I’ll have live match tweets, as well as reports and analysis on the blog, but for the most up to date news, follow me on Twitter.

Come on, Arsenal.

22 thoughts on “Preview: Reserves Begin Against United

  • August 15, 2011 at 2:50 pm
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    Just how good is Ebecilio? He seems like he could be huge for us.

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  • August 15, 2011 at 2:57 pm
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    Jake – Agree with the Ebecilio statement. Seems to of gone somewhat under the radar but consistently performs well.

    Here’s hoping for a successful reserve league campaign which breeds confidence among all the players at the club.

    Good luck boys!

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    • August 15, 2011 at 3:04 pm
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      He seems to be very highly rated outside of the club as well. A proper box-to-box player.

    • August 15, 2011 at 5:38 pm
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      He reminds me a little of Yaya Toure. To be honest, I don’t know what to make of him. He was not that good in the u17 world cup. The kid has some talent though so best of luck to him this year. Hopefully he will keep improving.

  • August 15, 2011 at 3:07 pm
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    So what if he’s 17? Give him some minutes. Are you convinced Rosicky is currently better than this guy?

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  • August 15, 2011 at 3:33 pm
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    Surely depends on who is fit enough or not banned for tomorrow. Eboue has travelled to Turkey, Van Persie and Nasri are suspended whilst Jack and Diaby are defo out. Miyaichi is in Japan and Rosicky is doubtful.

    Probable team

    Sczesney
    Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs
    Ramsey Song
    Walcott Arshavin Gervinho
    Chamakh

    Fabianski, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Lansbury, Vela, Chamberlain.

    Personally i would drop Squillaci and Traore down to the reserves tonight, to keep them on their toes.

    Mannone
    Hajrovic Squillaci Boateng Traore
    Ozyakup Yennaris
    Watt Ebicillio Freeman
    Afobe

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    • August 15, 2011 at 3:56 pm
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      The average age of that CL bench?
      26, 24, 19, 19, 20, 22, 18 (today!)
      Just over 21…

  • August 15, 2011 at 3:38 pm
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    aneke injured or did you forget to include him cos hes a definite starter?

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    • August 15, 2011 at 5:26 pm
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      yeah, was going to put him in, but heard that Dario Gradi is coming to look at Watt and Freeman as well as Boateng and Hajrovic. Just really fancy Ebicillio so perhaps play him alongside Ozzy with Aneke in the AM role. Yennaris to the bench

  • August 15, 2011 at 3:38 pm
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    Hmmm…wasn’t Quincy O-A named as “one of the Best Players of that FIFA U20 Championship” in 2005. Hopefully he won’t go in that direction…

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  • August 15, 2011 at 3:41 pm
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    Ha! You havent even got Miquel in that line up dude.

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    • August 15, 2011 at 5:23 pm
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      oops, i knew someone was missing!! Should have read the article closer lol!just that Dario Gradi is taking a look at Boateng tonight, heaven knows why??

  • August 15, 2011 at 3:42 pm
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    What’s the news with coquelin? Seems to me that everyone has forgotten about him.

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  • August 15, 2011 at 3:49 pm
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    Mannone
    Hajrovic Miquel Boateng Meade
    Ozyakup Yennaris
    Watt Aneke Freeman
    Afobe

    Subs – Brislen Hall Mcdermott Ansah Ebecillio

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  • August 15, 2011 at 4:04 pm
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    He was at the U20 WC man

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  • August 15, 2011 at 4:43 pm
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    Coquelin has played every minute so far of the tournament. looking really good. Good-luck to the lads tonight

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    • August 15, 2011 at 5:41 pm
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      Sunu is looking good too, perhaps the 2 of them can push on and get a decent EPL/Championship loan or some Carling Cup time. We will really need Coquelin in January.

  • August 15, 2011 at 5:42 pm
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    Coquelin just looks like he has not really developed physically while Frimpong looks like a beast.

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  • August 15, 2011 at 6:40 pm
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    What about the lads we signed from Barca? Are they likely to get a run out?

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    • August 15, 2011 at 8:54 pm
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      Thanks mate

  • August 19, 2011 at 3:31 pm
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    Coquelin >>> Frimpong.

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