Bould looks to make use of his squad as ‘Double’ challenge hots up

A 5-3 victory over Southampton in a topsy-turvy game on Saturday morning meant that Arsenal u-18s edged a step closer to retaining the Premier Academy League Group A table.

Next up on Friday it’s the FA Youth Cup clash against Sunderland and coach Steve Bould will be looking to draft in some Reserve players for the encounter.

The likes of Henri Lansbury, Francis Coquelin and Jack Wilshere all started against Wolves in the last round of the Cup, despite having  just three Premier Academy League appearances between them all season. It is clear that Arsenal are going all out to win the FA Youth Cup and will use the strongest squad available to them, which is not the case in the League.

In the recent Premier Academy League match with Ipswich Town, Bould handed starts to five schoolboys, including first starts for Daniel Boateng and Chuks Aneke, players who wouldn’t get a look in in the Cup.

With just twelve Premier Academy League fixtures remaining, Bould will look to give more schoolboys a chance at that level before the end of the season, whilst the Youth Cup will feature many second-years.

It promises to be an exciting end to the season for Bould’s boys as they challenge for silverware on two fronts. Let’s hope that this time they finally get something to show for their efforts.