Reading U18s visit London Colney on Saturday as Arsenal seek to end a run of four consecutive games without victory at U18 level.
While the young guns have been dynamic going forward, they continue to look fragile defensively after their 3-3 draw against Aston Villa last weekend, meaning they have now conceded 21 goals in just 11 games so far this season.
With England having been knocked out of the U17 World Cup last week, winger Christopher Willock may return for Arsenal; though Yassin Fortune, along with Jeff Reine-Adelaide, having only been knocked out of the tournament on Thursday evening. Vlad Dragomir is also on international duty with the Serbia U17s, so Marcus Tabi will presumably continue in central midfield in Dragomir’s absence.
Arsenal’s other selection concern is at left-back; Ilias Chatzitheodoridis was dropped for the match against Aston Villa with Tolaji Bola filling in his place. However, Bola’s poor performance which included the concession of a penalty may see the Greek defender restored to the starting line-up in his place.
After scoring a late equaliser against Aston Villa from the substitutes bench, Eddie Nketiah may also return to the starting line-up against Reading. The striker has an impressive six goals this season, and should get the nod ahead of Joshua DaSilva despite young Englishman also scoring last weekend. Another change going forward may involve Ismael Bennacer; the attacking midfielder played most of the League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, so may only be involved from the bench at best.
As for Reading, they sit six points and three places above Arsenal in third place. Despite losing 2-0 against top of the table Chelsea in their last game, that defeat was only the second time in 11 games this season that Reading have failed to score, the other being their 1-0 defeat at West Ham. Given both teams good records in front of goal, don’t be surprised to see a high scoring game.
