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

Back in August at the beginning of the campaign Scott Parker got his tenure as Spurs under 18’s manager underway in style, with a classy 4-0 victory over this Wednesday’s opponents Norwich City, at Hotspur Way. Just under eight months later, the two sides face each other once more with Parker’s side eyeing the double over an out of form and struggling Norwich outfit. After a poor domestic season, Norwich find themselves bottom of the table with just ten points to their name. Meanwhile, Parker’s side now occupy sixth spot after their 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend. Looking to finish the season on good terms, Parker’s side will be eager to keep up their fine form over the last five games, with a win over Norwich enough to lift themselves up to fourth in the table. Despite Norwich’s poor league form, they still have some really talented young players on their books. Including the likes of Irish youth prodigy Adam Idah, top scorer Anthony Spyrou and midfielder Bilal Kamal. Also on their books is former Spurs schoolboy Anis Mehmeti. Ahead of the north London Derby with Arsenal next Saturday, I would expect Parker to rest several key players for the Norwich game. One thing I’m not sure about is the involvement of schoolboys for this fixture, I seem to remember this time last season that they would leave out schoolboys for the midweek games, presumably to focus on their end of year exams. I will be travelling up to Norfolk tomorrow evening ahead of the Wednesday lunchtime kick off at Norwich’s Conley training centre. As always I’m anticipating a goal fest! COYS

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Freeman, Tainio, Hinds, Dinzeyi, Reynolds, Bowden, A.Shashoua, P.Patterson, P.Maghoma, Clarke, Richards.

Subs from: J.Oluwayemi, Statham, Bennett, Thorpe, Parrott.

Unavailable: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster (ligaments).

Doubtful: Matthew Lock.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0.

One to watch: Irish canary Adam Idah is a player who I’ve watched on the international stage he was an u15. A speedy forward who is known for his jinking runs and ability to finish in and around the six yard box. Idah has adapted well to life at Norwich and appears to be enjoying his first season in England, managing to find the net ten times for the 18’s. Idah has also made the step up to the under 23’s on occasion.

Under 18 Goals scored this season: Reo Griffiths-25
Phoenix Patterson -8
Dilan Markanday- 6
Jamie Bowden- 1
Moroyin Omolabi-1
Rayan Clarke-2
Maurizio Pochettino-1
Paris Maghoma-3
Rodel Richards-12
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-2
TJ Eyoma-1
Armando Shashoua-1
Troy Parrott-1

Assists: Phoenix Patterson-9
Jamie Bowden-1
Matt Lock- 2
Jeremie Mukendi-2
Jamie Reynolds-6
Reo Griffiths-8
J’neill Lloyd-Bennett-6
Rayan Clarke-2
Rodel Richards-1
Dilan Markanday-3
Oliver Skipp-1
Tariq Hinds-2
Paris Maghoma-5
Armando Shashoua-1
Maurizio Pochettino -1