Arsenal U18s continue their league campaign tomorrow when they host Leicester City at London Colney.
As was the case throughout last season, Jack Wilshere’s side have been rather inconsistent in terms of results in the early stages of this campaign. For instance, a very young side thrashed Southampton 4-0 but that was followed by a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea with a slightly more experienced lineup.
Results aren’t the most important factor in league games at this level but Wilshere will be aware that Arsenal haven’t won two league matches in a row since he took charge. The game against Leicester, who are two points below Arsenal in the table with a game in hand, represents an opportunity to return to winning ways.
Arsenal could welcome back Osman Kamara, with the talented winger having been unavailable in recent weeks due to injury. Wilshere will also be looking for Omari Benjamin, who can operate up front or on the left wing, to get on the scoresheet.
Right-back Josh Nichols and midfielder Harrison Dudziak have been progressing well, to the extent that they were given starts for the U19s against Lens in the UEFA Youth League.
Such experience should prove useful when they return to U18 action and Wilshere has spoken about wanting his team to be more difficult to play against.
Michal Rosiak was a star at right-back during the run to the FA Youth Cup final last campaign but so far this season he has mainly featured as a central midfielder for the U18s. Rosiak creativity and threat from set-pieces means that he is a useful asset for Wilshere’s team.
Arsenal have two weeks without a game after this fixture, so the young Gunners will be especially determined to get three points and prove that they can be more resilient than they were against Chelsea.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Jack would have been the perfect left 8 for us! Hahaha!
I still think ESR is and would love to see him getting a run there. No midfielder in the squad is better than arriving in to the box late and getting on the end of half chances.
Is Jack’s job in any danger?