Saturday is set to be a very busy day for Arsenal as in addition to the first-team’s North London derby, the U21s and U18s are also in action.
The schedule means that players won’t be able to flit between the squads as is often the case, but there are certainly enough players at the club for all three fixtures.
One of the most interesting aspects of the various squad selections will be seeing which level Ethan Nwaneri is involved at. It seems likely that the 15-year-old will now receive plenty of playing time for the U21s and it is possible that he could receive another first-team callup in the near future.
The U21s face Liverpool away tomorrow and are in second place in Premier League 2 having remained unbeaten so far this season.
Coach Mehmet Ali will be able to welcome back Lino Sousa and Amario Cozier-Duberry, who are available again after helping England U18s to win the Costa Calida Supercup during the international break.
Reuell Walters has featured for the U21s recently after returning from injury and it will be intriguing to see whether he reverts to operating in his usual right-back berth on a regular basis or instead is used in various defensive positions.
Meanwhile, the U18s face Norwich City away tomorrow and are in need of a victory having only won one of five games so far this season.
Jack Wilshere could give further opportunities to schoolboys Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chido Obi-Martin, while several members of his squad have benefitted from being involved with the U21s in recent weeks.
Winger Seb Ferdinand could also get an U21 callup at some stage this season, with the 16-year-old having started the campaign in impressive form.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
