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

Fresh from their triumphs in the FA Youth Cup in midweek, our under 18’s return to league action on Saturday morning, when Matt Taylor’s side welcome Reading to Hotspur Way. It’s seventh place versus tenth place in the league on Saturday as Michael Donaldson and Mikel Leigterwood’s side come to Enfield. The ‘ Royals ‘ occupy tenth spot in the Premier League South table after picking up eight points from their opening ten league matches. From those ten matches Reading have scored 16 goals and conceded 21. Last season Spurs drew one and won one against Reading. Saturday’s game is the first competitive meeting between the two sides this season. Some of Reading’s attacking players to look out for include attacking midfielder and top scorer this season with six goals Claudio Osorio, midfielder Pedro Neves and forward Thierry Nevers. Other players to look out for are Oliver Pendlebury and Josh Hewitt.

This will be a tough game for Spurs despite Reading’s recent form however, Spurs will be looking to carry the momentum of Monday nights huge win into Saturday’s league game. Under 18 regulars Chay Cooper and Rafferty Pedder were two players who came on, on Monday when the scores were level, and they helped to change the game. The skilful Cooper netted our decisive fourth goal while attacking midfielder Pedder injected energy into the game. Both will be hoping to start against Reading. Another positive from Monday nights game was the return from injury of striker Enock Asante who could well start for Spurs on Saturday. As always I am looking forward to reporting on this game before dashing off to the Lane to watch the senior team.

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

Subs from: Lo-Tutala, Kyezu, Mundle, Carrington, Etete. 

Injured/unavailable: Michael Craig, Dane Scarlett.

Doubtful: Matthew Craig, Nile John. 

Previous meeting: Spurs 2-0.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

My one to watch: The ‘ Royals ‘ Claudio Osorio (attacking midfielder) is a player in good form so far this season. Osorio has netted six goals for Reading’s under 18’s so far this campaign and he will be one to look out for on Saturday morning.