FA Youth Cup- Watt back, Sunu doubtful- Build-up and Predicted team

Arsenal u-18s have mixed injury news ahead of tomorrow’s FA Youth Cup trip to Villa Park. The good news is that Sanchez Watt is available again after recovering from a dislocated leg and made his comeback as a substitute against Charlton on Saturday. He replaced Gilles Sunu, who is doubtful for tomorrow’s game after sustaining a thigh problem.

If he does play, however, he will be determined to give his all and enjoy the occasion

We have so many good players here and winning the Cup will be something to show for that. Playing to our potential is very important for all the young players and I want to do my best for the team. We are playing Aston Villa in the Third Round and we know it is going to be tough, but we are all looking forward to it.

Thomas Cruise, meanwhile, is expected to play at left-back and rates Arsenal’s chances of beating Villa tomorrow

We always want to win playing well, but in the Cup it’s all about winning for the coaches and the players. If you lose, there is no satisfaction for anyone being knocked out of the Cup, but knowing we played well. It will be a tough game away to Aston Villa and we know that we have to be at our best because they are a good side. I believe we can do it and I hope to be involved.

Villa could include striker Nathan Delfouneso in their line-up, who scored on his first-team debut against MSK Zilina last week and knocked the Gunners out of the Premier Academy League last term.

Meanwhile, Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida and Jay Simpson are all in the first-team squad for tomorrow’s trip to Porto and whilst none of them are expected to start the game it will no doubt be a good experience for all of them.

In terms of team selection for tomorrow’s game, Henri Lansbury is available but it is questionable whether he will feature, whilst Luke Freeman could replace Roarie Deacon up front.

If Lansbury does play and Sunu is passed fit, then I would expect something like this:
————————Shea———————–
—-Eastmond–Bartley————-Ayling——-Cruise-
—-Lansbury—Coquelin———–Frimpong–Sunu-
———————-Thomas—————-
————————Murphy——————-
If not, then it could be something like this:
————————Shea———————-
—Eastmond—Bartley———–Ayling——-Cruise-
—Watt——-Coquelin————Frimpong—Thomas-
—————Murphy————-Freeman/Deacon

Whatever team plays, it promises to be an interesting game and there will be more build-up and reaction to c0me right here on Arsenal Youth.