It is set to be a very busy weekend for the Arsenal academy, with the U18s and the U21s both in action.
Firstly, the U18s face Manchester United away on Saturday in the Premier League Cup. After losing to Newcastle in their opening game in the competition, Arsenal responded with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
Arsenal’s overall form this season at U18 level across all competitions has been rather inconsistent – in their last five games they have won two, drawn two and lost one.
Second-year scholar Ismail Oulad M’Hand, a talented midfielder and the brother of Salah-Eddine, is growing into an important player for Jack Wilshere’s side.
Wilshere will hope that winger Seb Ferdinand and forward Omari Benjamin will be able to combine to excellent effect again.
Talented schoolboy midfielders Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are back available after representing England U17s.
It remains to be seen which level they will be playing at for Arsenal this weekend, with the U21s facing Everton at Meadow Park on Sunday.
The U21s are top of Premier League 2 following a hard-fought draw against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Coach Mehmet Ali could bring striker Khayon Edwards back into the starting lineup, while Elian Quesada-Thorn may continue at left-back if Lino Sousa is still unavailable.
Matt Smith was on the bench for the first-team against Zurich but could find himself back involved with the U21s.
Everton are likely to cause some problems for Arsenal – they are in fifth place and won 6-3 against Manchester City in their last game.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Stuff them.
Warms the heart to see Jack home.