Arsenal’s table topping Under 18’s return to action tomorrow morning after a combination of terrible weather and fixture congestion meant the Gunners have had a stop start month.
However, friendly clashes against Nottingham Forest and Norwich City have kept things ticking over nicely, and at the same time have providing a stern challenge to some of the Academy players. If those games were considered tough, then tomorrows encounter should be comfortable as bottom side Charlton visit London Colney.
The Addicts sit at the very bottom of Group A – on joint points with West Ham – but they know a win could potentially take them 4th, showing just how tight the League is. Arsenal are pretty much unmatchable at the top, with the gap getting bigger nearly every week. It may only be the first week of December but there is already 5 points separating last years Group winners and second placed Crystal Palace. Chelsea and Southampton are the next challengers, but have a 9 point deficit, and have already been beaten by Steve Bould’s charges this term.
Injuries have really ravaged this squad this campaign, but several of the longer term absentees are making good progress. Sanchez Watt is now back in full training following his fractured leg, whilst Conor Henderson is still on track for a return in pre-season. Turning our attention to those who are fit enough to take to the field, Kyle Bartley and Luke Ayling should rekindle their formidable partnership of last season at the heart of defence, alongside full backs Craig Eastmond and Tommy Cruise.
The midfield is a little unclear, but skipper Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and tenacious powerhouse Emmanuel Frimpong are almost certain to start. Rhys Murphy is top scorer this season with 5 goals, but strike partner Luke Freeman is hot on his heels with 4, as is the out-of-form Roarie Deacon. Benik Afobe is another option after helping England secure the Victory Shield last Friday.
Predicted Starting XI
Shea
Eastmond – Ayling – Bartley – Cruise
Rasmussen – Ozyakup – Frimpong – Thomas
Murphy – Freeman
Kick off at London Colney is at 11am. A full Match Report will be available tomorrow afternoon, with Highlights on Arsenal TV from Tuesday evening.
Article By – J.Sanderson
how come benik doesnt start for the Under 18s as i thought he was supposed to be rated really highly?
“I spoke to Steve Bould before the game and with the FA Youth Cup coming up it was an opportunity to maybe get some partnerships working together.” Banfield after the Norwich friendly>
A lot of clues in the team that played that night apart older player who are not eligible for FA youth cup. I expect some rested players.
I don’t like that Murphy is still playing for the U-18. I think he should be entirely in the reserves. I would love to see him loaned out as I am a big fan of his, but at the U-18 he is just holding younger players like Afobe back.
GAME FINISHED 3-1 TO ARSENAL
Match Report..
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/arsenals-u18s-u16s-claim-wins-over-charlton/