Spurs under 18’s versus Wigan Athletic: (match preview)

Our under 18’s are preparing to face category two academy side Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night, in the fourth round of the prestigious FA Youth Cup. Matt Taylor’s side warmed up for this hugely important clash by impressively defeating an unbeaten Fulham side 4-1 in the league. In fact Spurs have won their last two league games going into this encounter. Wigan I am told are a vey exciting and attacking team, and the ‘ Tics ‘ who beat Croydon FC 8-1 in the last round of the competition, have been excelling in their own league. Peter Murphy’s side of which includes a couple of England youth internationals, currently sits at the top of the U18 professional development league, eight points above second place Sheffield United. It’s worth noting that the Lancashire based club have won their last 11 league game in a row! Wigan have a number of exciting attacking players in their ranks that the young Spurs lads will have to be wary of on Wednesday. These include attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, wingers Sean McGurk and Mackenzie O’Neill and centre forward Kyle Joseph. Other players to look out for are England youth international Jensen Weir and Wigan captain Harry Jolley. This game which will be played at the DW Stadium, is a game in which Spurs must not underestimate the opposition as they are very, very good. I would like to wish the lads all the very best of luck for this hugely important cup tie, and I am sure that Spurs will field a very strong side. I will be reporting on Wednesday’s game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Lo-Tutala, Lusala, Fagan-Walcott, Binks (c), Cirkin, White, Robson, Whitaker, Pedder, Bennett, Etete.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Muir, Skinner, Santiago, Mundle, Mathurin.

Injured/unavailable: Michael Craig, Chay Cooper.

Doubtful: Matthew Craig, Enock Asante, Nile John, Dane Scarlett.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2. 

My one to watch: Wigan midfielder and England youth international Jensen Weir.