Spurs under 18’s versus Arsenal: (match preview)
I think it’s quite fitting that our under 18’s final league game of the season comes against our bitter rivals Arsenal. The rearranged fixture which takes place at Hotspur Way on Tuesday morning, sees Spurs take on the high flying gunners, a side who they thrashed 4-1 in our previous meeting back in the semifinals of the league cup. Scott Parker’s side will be hoping to end the season in style, after picking up a historic 3-0 away win against Chelsea in their last fixture, his side will be full of belief going into the the final north London derby of the season. Looking to avenge our 6-0 thumping from Kwame Ampadu’s side back in November, Spurs have enjoyed on the whole a very good season. Ampadu’s side are rightly regarded as one of the best under 18 sides in the country, and its no surprise that they’ll contest the final of the FA youth cup against Chelsea this Saturday. The good thing for us is that Arsenal will have no choice but to field a second string squad for tomorrows game, meaning that players such as talented schoolboy Armstrong Okoflex could well feature. There could also be some rotation from Parker and and co, with the possibility of some of our fringe players getting a chance in a big game. One thing is for certain, despite our experimental style in the u18 league this season Parker and his coaching staff will desperately want to win this derby. It may be at u18 level, but from watching these games you can tell that there is a different kind of determination and competitiveness etched on the players faces, there is an eagerness to grab the bragging rights. This is a north London derby after all. My report of our league finale against the gunners will be out on Tuesday evening. Despite this being the under 18’s final league game of the season, they still have the annual Stemwede and Terborg tournaments to look forward to next month. COYS
My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie (c), Tainio, Dinzeyi, Hinds, Clarke, Bowden, P.Maghoma, Markanday, Richards, Patterson, Parrott.
Subs from: Freeman, Statham, A.Shashoua, Pochettino, Thorpe.
Doubtful: Jeremie Mukendi and Matt Lock.
Unavailable/injured: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster (ligaments), Jubril Okedina (continuing his rehabilitation) and Jamie Reynolds (leg injury).
Previous meeting: Spurs 4-1.
My score prediction: Spurs 3-2!
One to watch: Arsenal schoolboy and England u17 international Bukayo Saka really stood out for the gunners in our last meeting against them. A speedy, powerful and tricky winger, Saka will cause problems for whoever is defending down the left hand side as he did for Reynolds in our last meeting.
superhotspur 