Arsenal U23s are back in action tonight with an eagerly-anticipated clash away to Manchester United.
The young Gunners are in the midst of a hectic schedule which has included draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in their last two matches.
Now their focus is on a United side that could include Amad Diallo, the 18 year old winger who has three goals and three assists at U23 level since linking up with the club last month.
Arsenal, though, will be determined to cause problems for United and will hope that their strike pairing of Folarin Balogun and Nikolaj Moller can get back amongst the goals after they failed to find the net in the last two games.
Miguel Azeez remains doubtful due to injury, so there could be another runout in midfield for Charlie Patino, who scored his first U23s goal against Chelsea.
Centre-back Omar Rekik will hope to be included in the matchday squad for the first time, while left-back Joel Lopez will be looking to produce an improved performance having struggled at times last week.
Arsenal go into the game in eighth place (out of 13 teams) but they could move up to fifth with a victory, which would see them overtake United.
United have scored six goals in each of their last two games and, in addition to Diallo, can call upon talents such as Shola Shoretire and Hannibal Mejbri. Phil Neville’s son Harvey could also feature at right-back.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
that charlie patino is some talent.with a name like that, he’s destined to be a top player.
Any idea where I can watch this game ?
I think Azeez is the most important piece of that u-23 set up, however, Patino is spoken of as an amazing prospect.
It would be great for Balogun to interrupt the hype around Diallo with a strong performance.
Lastly, it’s a shame to see Nelson wasted at that level when common sense would have him developing his talent with Willian’s minutes in the Prem.
Nketiah could really do with a game tonight to maintain full match sharpness. He hasn’t been in the first team match day squad since Aubameyang returned.
Might as well give Runarsson and Nelson minutes too as they likely won’t be in the squad to play Leeds.