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

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our under 18’s resume league action on Saturday when they take on London rivals Chelsea at Hotspur Way. This is the young Lilywhites first league game since they drew 2-2 with Arsenal in October. Matt Taylor’s side occupy sixth spot in the premier league south after picking up ten points from eight matches. Spurs welcome a Chelsea side to Hotspur Way who have been in red hot form of late. Ed Brand’s side sit in second place in the league table on 22 points, and they’ve won three of their four league matches on the road so far this season. The ‘ Blues ‘ under 18’s side may not be as good as it was say three seasons ago, but Brand’s side has some very talented players in it. One of those is Albania under 21 international and centre forward Armando Broja (18) who has scored seven goals from seven league games this season. Another player from this talented Chelsea side to look out for on Saturday is commanding central defender and Northern Ireland youth international Sam Mcclelland. Former Crewe striker George Nunn is another player to watch out for as is attacking midfielder Marcel Lewis. Incidentally the last time that Chelsea lost a league game at this level was against us back in April. Troy Parrott scored a brace on that day to help Spurs achieve a 2-0 win. Saturday’s game will be a very tough one for Spurs as they have been quite inconsistent this season. Also the fact that central defenders Malachi Walcott and Luis Binks seem to have moved up to the under 23 side (perhaps that’s why we have taken former Bury defender Aaron Skinner on trial), as well as the fact that we are missing a number of players to injury doesn’t help matters for Matt Taylor’s side. However, these matches are about development and the visit of Chelsea will bring with it a great test for the young Lilywhites. I shall be reporting on the game and my in-depth match report will be out on Sunday afternoon. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Kurylowicz, Lusala, Muir, Skinner, Cirkin (c), Robson, Santiago, Bennett, Pedder, Cooper, Whittaker.

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Cesay, Mundle, Carrington, Scarlett.

Injured/unavailable: Michael Craig, Nile John. 

Doubtful: Jeremy Kyezu, Matthew Craig, Kion Etete, Enock Asante. 

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-0.

My score prediction: 2-2.

My one to watch: Albania under 21 international and former Spurs schoolboy Armando Broja is my one to watch on Saturday morning. Broja who operates primarily as a centre forward has scored seven league goals from seven appearances so far this season.