Arsenal reserves round off their league campaign tonight with a trip to Villa Park to face Reserve League South champions Aston Villa. There is an added incentive for the Gunners to win tonight, as victory could see them finish in second place, which would be a significant improvement following last season’s ninth place finish. For some of the Arsenal players involved tonight, there is the chance to exact instant revenge on Villa, whose under-18s side ended Arsenal’s play-off hopes on Saturday. The goalscorer from that game Nathan Delfouneso is on the bench, along with Harry Forester. However, Villa are boosted by the first-team experience of former Arsenal ‘keeper Stuart Taylor and the likes of Isiah Osbourne and Moustapha Salifou.

For the Gunners, Kerrea Gilbert returns from injury and starts what is likely to be his last game for the club. Kieran Gibbs is back from his loan spell at Norwich, but Henri Lansbury (lack of fitness) remains sidelined. Gilles Sunu and Havard Nordtveit are on international duty with France and Norway respectively. Centre-backs Gavin Hoyte and Kyle Bartley are also out injured.

———————-Mannone———————-

-Gilbert (c)———Rodgers————–Thomas——-Steer

-Ogogo———Dunne—————Gibbs——–Traore

—————Barazite————–Fonte————–

subs: Szczesny, Cruise, Frimpong, Wilshere, Murphy.

The Gunners have named a strong side, but Banfield is anticipating a tough encounter.

It is always tough at Villa. We go there after six games undefeated and we will try and wrap up the season with a good win. It is being played at Villa Park and the lads are looking forward to it so hopefully we can come away with another victory.

Tonights game kicks off at 7pm and is live on both Arsenal TV and Arsenal TV online. For more information, see here.