Nordtveit and Bischoff set to start as Eduardo continues comeback against West Brom

Havard Nordtveit and Amaury Bischoff could both be handed starting berths when Arsenal Reserves resume their Reserve League South campaign tomorrow with a trip to the Midlands to take on their West Bromwich Albion counterparts.

The Gunners currently sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Aston Villa and beat Portsmouth 2-0 last time out thanks to second-half strikes from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs.

In team news, Reserve captain Gavin Hoyte has joined Watford on loan until the end of the season so won’t feature against the Baggies, whilst Jay Simpson has made a temporary switch to the Hawthorns. That means that Havard Nordtveit, who is eligible to represent the club again after a frustrating loan spell at Salamanca, is poised for a re-call. In midfield, Aaron Ramsey is likely to be rested after completing 90 minutes against Plymouth yesterday so Bischoff looks set to return as well. Likewise goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who has only made four starts out of a possible seven so far this campaign. Up front, Rui Fonte should be restored to the starting line-up to partner Eduardo, whilst Rene Steer is back after failing a trial with tomorrow’s opponents and is likely to be on the bench tomorrow.

Predicted team:

—————————————–Mannone————————————————-

——Coquelin————Nordtveit—————————–Rodgers————–Gibbs–

——Wilshere————Randall——————————–Bischoff—————Merida-

—————————— Eduardo——————————-Fonte—————————

subs: Shea, Lansbury, Emmanuel-Thomas, Steer, Sunu.

A full match preview with confirmed team news will be available tomorrow afternoon.