Steve Bould welcomes back England U-17 strikers Benik Afobe and Luke Freeman for tomorrow’s Premier Academy League encounter at London Colney.
The pair scored four goals between them during their stint with the Three Lions in Hungary and will look to add further attacking prowess to an Arsenal u-18 side which has yielded nine goals and nine points from their previous three games.
The young Gunners remain unbeaten in 2009 and are still on course for the Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup double with the Group A title already wrapped up and the second-leg of the FA Youth Cup to come at a packed Emirates Stadium later this month.
Freeman’s return tomrrow is likely to see Jonas Rasmussen return to the right flank, with Oguzhan Ozyakup moving in-field to partner Montaigu-bound Chuks Aneke in central-midfield. Sam Byles (back) is doubtful, as is Zak Ansah (foot), so schoolboy Jordan Wynter is likely to retain his place on the bench. Anton Blackwood and Samir Carruthers are on trial at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively and Rhys Murphy (hamstring) and Conor Henderson (medial knee ligaments) are both ruled out.
These sides last met just over a month ago and Freeman’s goal proved the difference that day. The chances are that he could do the same tomorrow as he is in a rich vein of form, although he is likely to feature on the left-wing tomorrow.
——————————Shea—————————
—Obed———Boateng——————Miquel———Evina
—Rasmussen-Aneke———————Ozyakup——-Freeman
——————Deacon——————–Afobe—————-
subs: Mann, Emmanuel-Thomas, Yennaris, Wynter.
Tomorrow’s game is likely to provide another opportunity for Arsenal’s young Gunners to shine.
Thats the FA Youth Cup back 4 for next season.
why is e-t always on the bench for these games?
Yes, most likely. In fact, replace Shea with McDermott, Mann or Chambers and Rasmussen for Yennaris and that could be the whole team, although frimpong will still be eligible.
Jay ET on the bench? You sure about that one?
Freeman looks a bit tubby in that photo lol
Thomas has been on the bench several times this season, including last weekend. Sometimes Bould keeps stronger players on the bench to give others like Aneke, Rasmussen and Ozyakup a chance but if thomas is available then he will be included in the squad
Always look for your site. from what I’ve seen of the kids on Arsenal TV. We have so much talent coming through.. we need to be patient..and keep the squad we have in the 1st team. Thomas is world class, and Murphy is close on his heels he’s a natural and Jack is all ready there… Arsene knows and I’ve doubted him the last few year ! what with no trophys, but out of 4 seasons 2/3 have been wrecked with injuries. We cannot allow the Emarites idiots to dictate the highbury faithful
What can you tell me about this Wynter kid?
he can play right-wing or central-midfield and is very quick.