Arsenal face Wolves in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round at Underhill tomorrow and captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas believes the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way in the competition. However, he has respect for tomorrow’s opponents and is expecting a tough test
I believe we have the quality to win the FA Youth Cup and we face Wolves next. They are a good side and so we’ll have to be at our best.
We are playing well and I feel quite fresh. I want to win our Group and then the Academy Trophy and also the FA Youth Cup. I believe that our youth team can do that and like all players I want to win trophies.
Jay, who scored the winner in the third-round against Aston Villa, is expected to start on the left-wing tomorrow in order to enable Gilles Sunu to play a more forward role.
In other team news, coach Steve Bould is set to name the same starting XI which edged past Villa. Conor Henderson (medial knee ligaments) is still sidelined whilst Ignasi Miquel doubtful with a thigh problem he picked up on the first day back at training following the Christmas break. Jack Wilshere is unlikely to feature, whilst Luke Freeman will be pushing for a place on the bench after missing out last time around.
Predicted team:
———————————————Shea————————————
—–Eastmond——–Bartley——————————-Ayling——–Cruise
—–Lansbury——–Coquelin—————————–Frimpong—-Thomas (c)
————————-Murphy——————————Sunu———————
subs: Mann, Evina, Deacon, Blackwood, Watt.
The winners of tomorrow’s game will face either Preston or Sunderland away in the next round. A full match preview will be available tomorrow afternoon.
Posted by Zodd on January 13, 2009 at 2:25 am
I hope Henri Lansbury is played in the center of midfield, that being his natural position. He captains England Under 19’s there and always plays great. It’s such a shame he always has to be pushed out onto the wing.
Posted by Rushane on January 13, 2009 at 2:52 am
Jack Wilshere was included the line up too.
Posted by kent paul on January 13, 2009 at 3:19 am
We need to watch out for Zele Ishmail.
Posted by Stone on January 13, 2009 at 10:22 am
I agree with Zodd. Lansbury, along with Coquelin, is our best player in this team and it’s a shame he isn’t played where he plays the best. But the reason is the same as why Gerrard often plays on the right for Liverpool. Because just like Liverpool, our youth team doesn’t have any wingers.
It would be very interesting to see how we would do with Ramsey and Wilshere in the side, they would eat the Wolwes alive I think.
Posted by James on January 13, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Wilshere will be starting the Game so maybe Lansbury will play in central midfield now???
3 – 0
Posted by james on January 13, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Nathan Mendez-Lain and Jamie Reckord are good players for them, espeically Reckord he’s the next Ashley Cole in ability wise!
Posted by SUPERGUNNER07 on January 13, 2009 at 2:40 pm
James, JW will replace Sunu in the Bergkamp role, the midfield will be as stated by Jeorge in his article above. Also HL is being played on the RM for development purposes and to help his composure in tight space @ 1st team level.
Off the topic, Jeorge needs to re-align the right side of your blog’s page, some comments are blocked off from being seen.