Spurs under 18’s versus Southampton: (match preview)

Matt Wells’ under 18 side recorded an emphatic 5-3 league victory over London rivals West Ham last Saturday. It was a victory which was made even more impressive by the fact that Spurs were missing so many players for the game. Most interesting of all was the inclusion of Notts County striker Kion Etete in Matt Wells’ side for the London Derby against West Ham. Etete (17) has already featured for Notts County’s first team on a number of occasions this season but the highly rated centre forward is currently on trial at Spurs and he could well featured for our under 18’s again on Friday. Unfortunately I and so many others were unable to attend last Saturday’s match due to being at the North London Derby, at Wembley on the same day. I did hear that our under 18’s put in another impressive performance against West Ham particularly during the first half when they managed to score four goals, it was another dominant performance from Wells’ side. A win against the ‘ Saints ‘ on Friday morning would see Spurs go back to the top of the under 18 Premier League South, providing that Arsenal don’t win on the same day. This match was supposed to be played last month however, it fell foul to the weather. Friday’s rearranged match will be a difficult one for Spurs to win considering all of the injury problems that they currently have. Paul Hardyman’s Southampton side have been doing quite well lately. They sit in fifth place in the league table, and from their last five league games they have picked up ten points. They have a squad which is brimming with attacking talent and while we did beat them 5-2 in the reverse fixture back in September, Hardyman’s side showed their attacking quality during that game. With pacy forward and former Spurs schoolboy Rio Glean impressing along with tricky Irish winger Will Ferry. Technically speaking Southampton’s under 18’s have been one of the best in England over the last five or so years, and they are never afraid to attack teams.

The ‘ Saints ‘ have a number of players who I like, of which include Irish fullback Kameron Ledwidge, French centre half Allan Tchaptchet and Southampton’s top scorer this season with nine league goals, Christian Norton. It’s difficult to predict what side Matt Wells will field on Friday however, I would imagine that we will see a number of schoolboys feature once again. I am very confident that Spurs will continue their excellent league form by beating Paul Hardyman’s side. I would like to wish the lads all the very best of luck for the game and I look forward to reporting on it.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Clarke, Statham, Okedina, Binks, Pedder, Bowden (c), Pochettino, Cooper, Markanday, Etete.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, John, Patterson, Asante.

Injured/unavailable: Jeremie Mukendi, Maximus Tainio, Troy Parrott 

Doubtful: Joshua Oluwayemi, Jamie Bowden, Rodel Richards, Elliott Thorpe, Enoch Asante.

Previous meeting: Spurs 5-2.

My score prediction: Spurs

My one to watch: Ireland under 19 international Will Ferry is a young man who possesses outstanding skill and balance. Ferry is a winger who primarily operates out on the left flank. The Bury born second year scholar has tremendous dribbling and crossing ability and he has found the back of the net on seven occasions for Paul Hardyman’s side this season.