With the international break over, Arsenal’s youth sides are back in action over the next couple of days in some intriguing fixtures.
U23s v Chelsea (away) – Electrical Services Stadium, Aldershot – Today – 7pm
Arsenal U23s travel to face the league leaders tonight and will hope that Folarin Balogun, who has enjoyed an excellent season so far, will be back available after injury.
Bizarrely, Arsenal have drawn four of their last five games 2-2, while three of Chelsea’s last five games have ended with the same scoreline.
In recent games Steve Bould has elected for a 5-3-2 formation, but it hasn’t had the desired effect, with the attackers often starved of service.
With regards to first-team players, there is a possibility that Matt Macey and Konstantinos Mavropanos could be given runouts again, while Emile Smith Rowe is available but may be needed for first-team training instead.
Midfielder Faustino Anjorin, who was called up to the first-team recently, is the main Chelsea player to be wary of.
U18s v Tottenham (home) – London Colney – Saturday – 11am
A north London derby is always exciting at any level, and Arsenal will be in a positive mood going into this fixture having won their last two games.
Tottenham, in contrast, have lost their last two matches, although they are still above the Gunners in the table.
Arsenal will look to midfielder Miguel Azeez to play an important part in breaking down the Tottenham defence, with forward Alfie Matthews seeking to impress again.
Midfielder Chay Cooper has delivered some impressive displays for Tottenham of late.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Thanks very much for the update, Jeorge. I hope the youngsters blaze a red trail across London.
Do you know if Tolaji Bola is expected to play? I sincerely hope he can be backup to Tierney in the first team if Kolasinac moves on at some point.
Yep Bola played left wing back. Unfortunately we lost 3-1.