Spurs under 18’s versus Swansea City: (match preview)

Whilst the attention may all be on our under 19’s crunch European tie with Porto on Tuesday afternoon, it’s worth remembering that our under 18’s have an important league game the following day. As Scott Parker’s side take on Welsh club Swansea City at Hotspur Way as they resume league action. Unbeaten in their last five league games, Spurs take on a Swansea team who sit in a comfortable fourth place in the southern league. The Swans have a fascinating mix of players which includes former Ajax academy player Kees De Boer, son of former Spurs player Eidur Gudjohnsen (Arnor) and a young Irish starlet by the name of Marc Walsh. Joint head coaches Anthony Wright and Jon Grey have had their side playing well over recent matches, recording four wins from their last five league games. The last time these sides met the game ended in a comfortable 5-2 victory for Spurs over Swansea at Landore. The Swans impressive form in the league this campaign surprises me a little, considering they struggled last campaign. And they still remain the worst team I’ve ever seen our under 18′ play against. But that was last season in the fixture at Hotspur Way, a game in which the now u23 player Samuel Shashoua tore them apart, quite literally. And I couldn’t even remember them having a clear cut chance, though undoubtedly this side is better. I will be at Hotspur Way once again for the visit of Swansea on Wednesday. COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie(c), Clarke, Statham, Dinzeyi, Reynolds, A.Shashoua, Bowden, Markanday, Patterson, Bennett, Richards.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Hinds, P.Maghoma, Thorpe, Griffiths.

Doubtful: Charlie Freeman (unknown) and Moroyin Omolabi (currently trialing out with Reading) and Jubril Okedina (injured).

My score prediction: Spurs to win 4-2.

One to watch: The Swans Irish starlet Marc Walsh. The 16 year old forward who was signed from Irish side Finn Harps in the summer, is highly rated in his home country. And has been on my radar since before he made the move to Wales. A tricky forward, Walsh has chipped in with two goals this campaign. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.