(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

After recording a hugely impressive 4-1 win over London rivals West Ham United on the opening day of the Under 18 Premier League South season, Matt Taylor’s Spurs side must now prepare to take on North London rivals Arsenal, at Hotspur Way on Saturday morning (kick off is at 11am). Once again spectators and people reporting on games are not being allowed entry to this game due to the current situation, so I won’t be able to report on this North London Derby however, you can (I will be doing this) follow live updates from Google simply by typing in Tottenham under 18’s. As for the match itself, both teams recorded victories on the opening day of the league season with Spurs beating West Ham comprehensively away, while Ken Gillard’s Arsenal side beat Southampton 4-2 at home. Always a highly competitive fixture, meetings between the two sides in recent seasons have seen very varied results (the last meeting between the two sides finished 2-2), and that reflects the unpredictability and competitiveness of North London Derby’s. Ken Gillard’s Arsenal finished in eighth place in the Under 18 Premier League South last season after picking up 17 points from 16 league games, while Matt Taylor’s Spurs finished nine points above them in fourth place. An exciting and attacking and forward thinking side, Arsenal are a team that move the ball around quickly and with real purpose in the final third as they look to break down the oppositions defence. Despite playing Arsenal’s developments sides first two competitive games of this season, creative and highly skilful attacking midfielder Salah Oulad M’Hand (17) will definitely be a player to watch out for if he turns out for Arsenal’s under 18’s on Saturday. Another attack minded player who has the potential to cause Spurs’ defence problems on Saturday morning is creative England youth international and central midfielder Charlie Patino (16). 

While centre forward Luke Plange (17) who scored a goal in Arsenal’s opening day win over Southampton, also scored three under 18 league goals in ten appearances for Arsenal last season, so he could well lead the line for Ken Gillard’s side on Saturday. From a defensive point of view Republic of Ireland under 19 international Mazeed Ogungbo (17) will make life difficult for the Spurs forwards with his commanding defending. This will be I imagine a very difficult, competitive and demanding game of football on Saturday morning in Enfield however, if Spurs lineup with the likes of Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett (he scored two and assisted two last Saturday) which I imagine that they will, then I think that Spurs have a good chance of making it two wins from two in the league. Absent from last weekend’s win over West Ham was attacking midfielder Max Robson (17), he also missed our under 18’s last friendly of pre-season, so if Robson is missing for Saturday’s North London Derby then that will be a shame for Spurs, as he offers so much from an attacking point of view. Finally, I would just like to wish our under 18’s all the very best of luck for this weekend’s important league game against North London rivals Arsenal. 

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Lo-Tutala (c), Cesay, Lusala, Muir, Hackett, Devine, Matthew Craig, Whittaker, John, Mathurin, Scarlett.

Subs from: Solberg, Davies, Cassanova, Mundle, Santiago.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Michael Craig.

Previous meeting: 2-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: Arsenal’s 17 year old central defender Mazeed Ogungbo (17) who can also fill in at fullback, a position which he played in against Southampton last Saturday. A commanding defender who also reads the game well, I was really impressed by Ogungbo when I saw him play for the Republic of Ireland’s under 19 side last year.

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Our under 23 side will play their first competitive game of football since the second of March, when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Hotspur Way in their opening PL2 game of the season on Saturday afternoon (kick off is at 1pm). Just like our under 18’s who get their league season underway on the same day, Wayne Burnett’s side will be eager to return to playing competitive football however, Spurs have been handed a difficult opening day fixture in Brighton. After a good pre-season which saw them unbeaten in four of their five friendly games, Spurs’ opponents on the other hand have already played their first competitive game of the season. As Simon Rusk’s Brighton side lost 3-2 to League Two side Leyton Orient on Tuesday, after initially coming back after being two goals down. A side that Spurs have never beaten in the PL2 in four attempts (we have drawn one and lost three of those meetings) Brighton did the double over us last season. They beat us 2-1 at Stevenage Borough’s Lamex Stadium, and 4-1 at the AMEX Stadium in Brighton, those two games were difficult ones last season. Quite a physical side who do play good football but can also be direct in their play (Brighton’s physical centre forward Bojan Radulovic caused us numerous problems in our 4-1 defeat last season), Brighton finished in third place in the PL2 Division 1 last season, seven points behind champions Chelsea. Simon Rusk’s side were the joint top scorers in the division last season with 36 league goals from 18 games. Brighton have a number of players who could cause problems for Spurs on Saturday, one of those is Sweden youth international and left winger Peter Gwargis, who scored seven goals and registered four assists from 17 PL2 games last season. Another potent Brighton forward is Northern Irishman Ben Wilson (18) who scored a brace against Leyton Orient earlier in the week. Like Wilson, physical Swiss forward Lorent Tolaj could also cause Spurs problems at the back on Saturday. 

36 year old former Wales international turned Brighton under 23’s player-coach Andrew Crofts would provide Brighton with invaluable experience in the midfield, if he plays. While talented teenager and central midfielder Jensen Weir (recently signed from Wigan Athletic) was a player who had a great game when he played against our under 18’s in the FA Youth Cup last season, so he could also be a player to watch out for. However, Brighton just have a very talented squad of players and for Spurs to get a victory on Saturday they will have to be on top form. Another Brighton player who I didn’t mention but could even feature on Saturday is 21 year old Republic of Ireland international and tireless central midfielder Jayson Molumby. Wayne Burnett’s side on the other hand could be boosted by the presence of experienced young players such as Anthony Georgiou, Kazaiah Sterling and George Marsh for the game against Brighton, with all three players having featured prominently for Spurs’ under 23’s in pre-season. A difficult game it will be for the young Spurs lads on Saturday afternoon in their opening game of the 2020/21 season however, I wish them all the very best of luck for this match. Due to the current situation I will be unable to report on our game against Brighton due to it being behind closed doors however, Spurs will publish a match report on their official site during the weekend.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Okedina, Marsh (c), Lyons-Foster, Georgiou, Bowden, John, Tracey, Roles, Markanday, Sterling.

Subs from: De Bie, Lusala, Skinner, Richards, Etete. 

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Malachi Fagan-Walcott.

Previous meeting: Spurs 1-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: Brighton’s physical and clinical centre forward Lorent Tolaj was excellent for their under 18’s last season scoring eight goals from 11 Premier League South appearances. The Switzerland under 19 international starred in our under 18’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton at Hotspur Way last season with his strong running, physicality and his clinical finishing, so he is my player to watch on Saturday afternoon.

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

Our under 18’s first competitive game of football since late February take place this Saturday, when Matt Taylor’s side take on London rivals West Ham United at Little Heath Sports Centre (kick off is at 11am). A match which they will have been looking forward to since the Premier League South Fixtures were released earlier this week, this league match will be one that our under 18’s will be really hoping to win, to the start the season well. After a good season last campaign in the Premier League South in which Taylor’s side finished in fourth place in the league, the young Lilywhites will be hoping to build on that fourth place finish this season. This weekends game against West Ham will be a tough one, as the East London club did the double over us in the league last season, beating us 3-2 at Hotspur Way and 3-1 in East London. A talented and attacking side, Kevin Keen’s team finished in third position in the league last season after having played 17 games. Keen’s side has some exciting and talented players who are eligible to play on Saturday, one of those players is 17 year old centre forward and Irish youth international Ademipo Odubeko who scored a brace against Southend United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. A clinical finisher in front of goal, it is worth noting that Odubeko could well play for West Ham’s under 23’s who play against Chelsea in the PL2 two days after the under 18 game on Saturday, but he is definitely a player to watch out for if he is involved. Left winger and England youth international Amadou Diallo is another potent attacking player, but the skilful second year scholar featured prominently for West Ham’s under 23’s last season and might not feature on Saturday against Spurs. However, some of our opponents players who are more likely to feature include right winger Kai Corbett who scored four goals in 11 Premier League South games for West Ham last season.

Two more players who could well be involved for the home side on Saturday are centre backs Jamal Baptiste (first year scholar) and Michael Forbes (first year scholar). Baptiste actually made seven appearances for West Ham’s under 23’s last season while still a schoolboy, while Forbes was recently signed from Northern Irish side Dungannon Swifts. There is no doubting that this will be a tough and highly competitive first game of the season for Spurs, but it will be really interesting to see how they line up and also how many first years scholars they include in their squad. I would like to wish our under 18’s all the very best of luck for Saturdays game which is being played behind closed doors due to the current situation. Hence I will be unable to report on the game however, there will be a match report published on the official Tottenham Hotspur site during the weekend.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Lo-Tutala, Cesay, Matthew Craig, Muir (c), Hackett, Cassanova, Devine, Mathurin, Robson, Whittaker, Scarlett. 

Subs from: Solberg, Kyezu, Mundle, Santiago, Donley.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Michael Craig.

Previous meeting: Spurs 1-3.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: A player with good pace and skill, as well as being a really clinical finisher, Republic of Ireland youth international and striker Ademipo Odubeko (17) could be West Ham’s main danger man on Saturday if he does play. The former Manchester United schoolboy scored in our last meeting with West Ham last February, and for me he really stood out in that game with his fine movement off the ball. He will definitely be a player to watch out for if he is involved in Saturday mornings game.    

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(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC)

Our development side last played a proper game of football at a stadium back in March however, more than five months later they will return to playing when they take on Leyton Orient in a friendly match on Wednesday evening (kick off is at 7 pm). Scheduled to be played at Leyton Orient’s Breyer Group Stadium, the game will be known as the JE3 Cup in memory of former Spurs player and Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh who sadly passed away last year. This JE3 cup match against a senior League Two side will provided Wayne Burnett’s side with a much needed competitive game of football having only returned to group training fairly recently. Burnett’s side could be a fairly experienced for this game, with Jack Roles, Anthony Georgiou, Shilow Tracey, George Marsh and Kazaiah Sterling all pictured training with the development side last week after being out on loan last season. Leyton Orient have warmed up for Wednesday’s game by defeating Reading’s under 23 side 2-0 on Saturday. Some of the ’ O’s ’ players to look out for include experienced 38 year old left winger Jobi McAnuff, centre forwards Lee Angol (ex Spurs) and Ruel Sotiriou, central midfielder Josh Wright and highly rated centre back Dan Happe. This will be a tough first test of pre-season for Burnett’s side however, the young Spurs lads will be excited to return to the pitch after so long out. This should be a competitive game despite it being a friendly as this could be an experienced side that Wayne Burnett fields. Also all of our development side players will be hoping to impress and catch the eye of the Tottenham coaches, with Spurs’ first team playing Ipswich Town in a friendly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday. Obviously the game is being played behind closed doors with no media being let in however, I will be doing a report of the game as Leyton Orient will be streaming the game on their official You Tube channel which is great!

In other news our under 18’s were beaten 4-2 by Oxford United in a friendly at Hotspur Way on Tuesday. Max Robson and Romaine Mundle got our goals.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Marsh (c), Lyons-Foster, Skinner, Okedina, Bowden, Thorpe, Tracey, Roles, Markanday, Sterling.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Muir, Cesay, Devine, Bennett, Pochettino, Richards, Etete.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Malachi Fagan-Walcott.

Previous meeting: N/A.

My score prediction: 2-2

My one to watch: Experienced left winger/midfielder Jobi McAnuff could be a danger man for Spurs down that left hand side. Especially if McAnuff is looking to whip crosses into the Tottenham penalty area. His experience could be key to winning Leyton Orient the game.

Spurs under 18’s versus West Ham United: (match preview)

Our under 18’s are preparing to face West Ham United on Saturday morning at Little Heath, as they look to consolidate their place at the top of the under 18 southern division. After last weekends stalemate with Reading at Hotspur Way, Matt Wells side will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face West Ham United in east London. This will be our under 18’s second London Derby of the season and whilst Spurs have started the season in stunning form, our London rivals have also started the season strongly. Mark Phillips West Ham side have won four of their opening five league games this season, and currently occupy fourth place in the league. A number of our under 18’s played for the under 19’s in the UEFA youth league during midweek, as they contested a fiery 1-1 draw with Inter Milan. Players such as Malachi Walcott, Luis Binks and J’Neil Bennett all played the full 90 minutes of that game and could end up finding themselves being rested for this Saturday’s London derby. Matt Wells will have been disappointed that he’s side were unable to finish off Reading last weekend, in a game in which they dominated in every respect. This fixture last season was a funny old game, we were on a good patch of form when we travelled to east London. However, it was a really scrappy game in which we were unable to make possession count and we were punished for that, by the much more direct Hammers youngsters. Whilst West Ham have started the season in fine form they are yet to come up against any of the big boys in the league thus far this campaign. Last season they were an extremely combative side who weren’t afraid to scrap for results and play ugly, if I may so.

It will be interesting to see how Tottenham lineup on Saturday morning (10:30 AM KO) it will also be interesting to see if Troy Parrott is drafted back into the side after his time in the under 23’s. Parrott has only made one appearance for our under 18 side this season having spent the majority of the time with Wayne Burnett’s development side. Another player who I’m hoping to see start the game is 18 year old forward Rodel Richards who made his return from injury against Inter Milan in midweek. Richards looked very sharp considering it was only his first game of the season. I think Matt Wells side will have to start well against West Ham if they are to get back to winning ways. Some of the Hammers most dangerous players include attacking midfielder Bernardo Rosa and Vernon Parkes and they could prove to be dangerous on the break. Last season I ended up going to West Ham’s Rush Green training ground only to find that they are unable to hold academy games at the facility, thankfully I made that game in time. Hopefully tomorrow’s trip on the London Underground will be a lot more straight forward. My match report will be out late on Saturday night.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Oluwayemi, Tainio, Lyons-Foster, Statham, Cirkin, White, Bowden, Clarke, A.Shashoua (c), P.Patterson, Richards.

Subs from: Kurylowicz, Okedina, Thorpe, Markanday, Mukendi.

Doubtful: N/A.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-2.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: The Hammers Brazilian attacking midfielder Bernardo Rosa (18). The creative Rosa caused quite a few problems for our defence in this fixture last season, and the teenager has started the new campaign in excellent form. Finding the back of the net on four occasions already this season, Rosa has also made a number of appearances for West Ham’s development side and will be one of the Hammers most potent attacking players.

Spurs under 19’s versus Inter Milan: (match preview)

Our under 19’s kick off this seasons UEFA youth league campaign tomorrow when they face Italian giants Inter Milan on Tuesday afternoon, at the Stadio Breda. According to the UEFA website John McDermott is listed as our head coach for this seasons European campaign and McDermott will have a richly talented pool of players at his disposal for the tournament, which mirrors the UEFA champions league. Our under 18’s have started this season in scintillating form with four wins from their opening five league matches and whilst our under 23’s haven’t replicated this, they did however pick up an impressive first win of the season against Man City on Friday. Spurs gave a really good account of themselves in this competition last season in what was only their second ever involvement in it. We topped a group containing both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, before overcoming Monaco in the round of 16. Our campaign was eventually ended by Porto who beat us comfortably at Hotspur Way in March of 2018. Whilst there will be a lot of new faces in this seasons squad, Spurs will be hoping to emulate their group stage success in the competition this season. However, with the current holders of the competition Barcelona in their group, alongside both Inter Milan and PSV that task will be significantly more difficult to achieve this season. The way in which our under 18’s have started this season has been outstanding, the quality of their play and the fluidity of their passing has been breathtaking to watch. I think this set of players (the u19’s) is one of the best in the UEFA youth league this season and there will be no team in Europe who will want to come up against us, and that includes tomorrow’s opposition, Inter Milan. The abundance of talent that is in our under 19’s side is quite frightening, in many ways we are spoilt for choice. With the likes of Troy Parrott, Jamie Bowden, Paris Maghoma, Japhet Tanganga all to choose from tomorrow.

Inter Milan also had a good campaign last season, entering the competition through the domestic stage. Armando Madonna’s side reached the quarter finals of the competition where they were knocked out on penalties by Manchester City. Long famed for their academy set up, Inter Milan did well on the domestic stage last season, finishing second in the Primavera 1 (the Italian u19 league). I’m not going to lie and say that I know a great deal about their side however, I know that they are one of Italy’s top academy sides and will undoubtedly have a lot of talented players on their books. Winger Samuele Mulattieri and highly rated Irish centre half Ryan Nolan are the only two players who I know a little bit about. This competition will give our youngsters a great opportunity to test themselves against some of the finest youth teams in Europe. Coming up against different footballing cultures and enjoying exposure to much bigger audiences, I’m sure our lads are really looking forward to tomorrow’s game which is being shown live on BT sport 2. Sadly I will be unable to go tomorrow’s game however, I will be watching on with great interest and I wish all of our lads the very best of luck. Our under 19’s can go all the way in this competition this season and I say that without any hesitations.

My predicted lineup: (4-3-3) De Bie, Eyoma, Dinzeyi, Tanganga (c), Brown, Bowden, Maghoma, Roles, Markanday, Parrott, Bennett.

Subs from: Austin, Lyons-Foster, Binks, White, A.Shashoua, Patterson, Richards.

Doubtful: Oliver Skipp (Possible involvement with the first team)

Injured/unavailable: Tariq Hinds.

Previous meeting: Spurs 7-1 (2011).

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Irish centre half Ryan Nolan is a player who has been touted for great things in the game. The teenager from county Clare has won many plaudits and for him to have been picked up by Inter Milan speaks volumes in itself. Nolan made his first team debut for Inter during pre-season.

Our full squad: https://www.uefa.com/uefayouthleague/season=2019/clubs/club=2608183/index.html

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

Before I start my preview of this weekends game I’d like to congratulate the Tottenham under 17 side that won the Euro youth cup in Germany last week. Matt Wells and the lads continued their excellent start to the season, as a team consisting mainly of first year scholars, as well as under 16’s and a couple of second years overcame some fine youth teams on route to picking up the trophy. Our lads had a great tournament by all accounts, we reached the final courtesy of a 3-0 win over Anderlecht, before defeating Galatasaray 1-0 in the final courtesy of Harvey White’s first half penalty. Meanwhile Matt Wells’ under 18 side will be looking to continue their brilliant start to the new season when they face Reading at Hotspur Way on Saturday morning. Having won their opening four games of the new season, Spurs will be hoping to maintain their 100% record when the royals come to town at the weekend. David Dodds Reading haven’t started the season too badly themselves, and with three wins from their opening four league matches they currently occupy fifth spot in the table. Our under 18’s suffered contrasting fortunes when these two teams met in the league last season. After losing 1-0 against Reading in the reverse fixture at Hogwood Park, Spurs responded superbly to Jonathan Dinzeyi’s first half sending off in the home fixture later on in the campaign. Inspired by an excellent performance from former Spurs youngster Reo Griffiths, Spurs ended up winning that fixture 4-0. After having brushed aside the likes of Chelsea and Southampton already this season you’d have to fancy Matt Wells’ side making it five wins from five on Saturday. However, with our under 23’s playing against Manchester City the night before, key under 18 players J’Neil Bennett and Paris Maghoma are likely to feature in that game and would hence miss the Reading game the following morning. As would centre forward Troy Parrott who is suspended for the Reading game.

Another factor which could force Matt Wells into shuffling his squad around, much like he did when we played Southampton in our last game, is the fact that our under 19’s get their UEFA youth league campaign underway only a couple of days later. Our under 19’s opening UEFA youth league game against Inter Milan on Tuesday afternoon could mean that the likes of Bennett, Bowden, Maghoma and possibly even Markanday are rested for the Reading game. Even without those players Spurs should be able to overcome Reading on the day. Reading’s danger man is the inform Thierry Nevers who operates as a centre forward. In addition, former Spurs schoolboy Marcel Elva-Fontaine will be a threat out wide. Sadly I will be unable to report on the game as I will be at Wembley watching our first team take on Liverpool. I wish all of our lads the very best of luck.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie (og), Lyons-Foster, Walcott, Binks, Cirkin, A.Shashoua (c), White, Clarke, Markanday, Patterson, Mukendi.

OG* = Overage goalkeeper.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Tainio, Statham, Cooper, Asante.

Doubtful: N/A.

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Kurylowicz (currently on a youth loan with Barnet), Troy Parrott (suspended) and Rodel Richards (injured).

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0.

My score prediction: Spurs 4-2.

My one to watch: The royals inform forward Thierry Nevers who has four goals from Reading’s opening four league matches this season.

Spurs under 23’s versus Manchester City: (match preview)

Our under 23’s return to action on Friday evening when they host Manchester City at Broadhall Way, in the PL2. After Wayne Burnett’s younger then usual development side put in a hugely impressive performance against league two club Crawley Town in the Checkatrade trophy last week, Spurs will be buoyed ahead of Fridays match. Featuring a selection of under 18 players, Burnett’s side showed a different kind of energy and creativity to their game during the 1-1 draw with Crawley, something which could prompt him to field a similar lineup for the visit of the sky blues. Second year scholars Jamie Bowden and Paris Maghoma put in excellent performances in the centre of midfield against Crawley and they were pivotal to us creating chances, it will be interesting to see if Burnett sticks with them for the Man City game. Still searching for their first win of the new PL2 season, Burnett’s side have struggled for goals so far in this campaign. However, Manchester City’s leaky defence could provide them with a couple of opportunities to add to their tally of five goals this season. Whilst the opposition haven’t started the season in the best of form defensively speaking, Paul Harsley’s side have been free scoring and have managed to find the back of the net on 13 occasions already this season. Picking up seven points from their first four PL2 games, Harsley’s side have picked up impressive victories against both Arsenal and West Ham. However, they also suffered a surprising 5-0 defeat to Brighton in their last PL2 outing. Prolific in front of goal, Man City’s potent attack includes inform Spanish centre forward Nabil Touaizi who has six PL2 goals already this season. In addition, Harsley’s speedy wide man Rabbi Matondo has also been in impressive goalscoring form. With Guardiola’s possession based attacking football implemented in the academy set up, Man City’s development side play almost identical football to their first team as you would expect.

Manchester City passed us off the park when these two teams met in this fixture last season, as they recorded a 5-0 win against Spurs at Broadhall Way in the final PL2 fixture of last season. Bolstered by the attacking fire power of Phil Foden, Brahim Diaz and Lukas Nmecha, the sky blues ripped our defence apart in that game. And whilst those players are unlikely to be involved on Friday, the creativity of the likes of Ian Poveda who also played in that game is something that Spurs will have to deal with if they are to stop a repeat of that happening. Another talented player who has been involved in all four of Manchester City’s PL2 games this season is French midfielder Claudio Gomes. A highly rated central midfielder, Gomes was a summer recruit from French side PSG. I think it will be fascinating to see how Burnett will approach this game, whether or not he’ll opt for the same kind of format which saw us impress against Crawley last week is yet to be seen. However, if we play Harsley’s side at their own game then we will force mistakes out of their defence, this will likely result in another high scoring affair. Without the suspended Troy Parrott for Friday evenings game, Spurs’ only other recognised centre forward Shayon Harrison is an injury doubt after limping off against Crawley. Hopefully there’ll be more opportunities for our under 18’s to feature in this important PL2 clash. I will be reporting on Friday evenings game and I shall have my report out by the following day.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Marsh, Eyoma, Tanganga (c), Brown, Bowden, Skipp, Oakley-Boothe, Maghoma, Roles, Harrison.

Subs from: Freeman, Dinzeyi, Duncan, Bennett, Markanday.

Doubtful: Shilow Tracey and Shayon Harrison.

Injured/unavailable: Troy Parrott (suspended), Kazaiah Sterling (injured), Jamie Reynolds (injured), Tariq Hinds (inured), Anthony Georgiou (inured).

Previous meeting: Spurs 0-5.

My score prediction: 2-2.

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/09/10/jamie-bowden-the-local-lad-who-im-hoping-will-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-harry-winks/

My one to watch: Manchester City’s ridiculously quick right winger Rabbi Matondo is a player who is capable of causing Spurs serious problems on Friday. The athletic Wales under 21 international has beaten the likes of Leroy Sané in sprint tests, and his exceptional speed, agility and fancy footwork has hit the headlines over the past year. The former Cardiff youngster has started the new PL2 season in fine form, with three goals from the sky blues opening four PL2 matches. Matondo is a really powerful, skilful and direct winger who when in full flow is impossible to defend against. Jaden Brown will have a really tough task to try and stop the threat of Matondo on Friday evening, he is likely to be Manchester City’s biggest threat going forward.

Spurs under 21’s versus Crawley Town: (match preview)

Wayne Burnett’s development side get this seasons Checkatrade trophy campaign underway tomorrow when they travel to Sussex to face league two side Crawley Town. After a difficult start to the new PL2 season, Burnett’s side are still winless and will be hoping to change that when they meet the league two club at the Broadfield stadium on Tuesday night. This is Spurs’ second involvement in the Checkatrade trophy, last season they made their first appearance in the competition. And despite putting in three good performances against Luton, Wimbledon and Barnet they ended up finishing bottom of their group. This time round Spurs are in group 9 along with Portsmouth, Gillingham and tomorrows opposition Crawley Town. The competition will give Burnett’s side the rare and invaluable experience of playing against senior football league opposition in a competitive environment, in front of a big crowd. That is something that a lot of our players haven’t experienced enough of in their short careers. Spurs face Crawley at quite a good time, the league two club recently lost their manager Harry Kewell to Notts County. On top of this, the Red Devil’s have only won two of their opening seven competitive fixtures this season and currently occupy 16th place in league two. Temporary bosses Jimmy Smith and Filipe Morais (also a player) will take charge of Crawley tomorrow night as they continue their quest for a new manager. Some of the reds important players include former Leeds United forward Dominic Poleon, wide man Ollie Palmer and defensive stalwart Romain Vincelot. After Spurs’ poor showing at the Emirates stadium on Friday night I’m hoping that Burnett will field a really attacking team tomorrow night. I just hope a fearless Spurs under 21 side take the game to the league two club, and if they do that then they better their chances of coming away with anything in the bag. I’m expecting experienced youngsters such as Anthony Georgiou and Luke Amos to start tomorrow night. I shall be reporting on our opening Checkatrade trophy game and shall have my report out by the following day.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Eyoma, Tanganga, Dinzeyi, Brown, Skipp, Amos (c), Oakley-Boothe, Roles, Georgiou, Harrison.

Subs from: Austin, Lyons-Foster, Marsh, Maghoma, Parrott.

Doubtful: Shilow Tracey (injury) and Troy Parrott (international involvement with Ireland U19’s).

Injured/unavailable: Kazaiah Sterling, Jamie Reynolds and Tariq Hinds.

Previous meeting: Crawley 6-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Crawley forward Ollie Palmer who has found the net five times for the league two club in the six games that he has played for them this season.

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

Our under 18’s will take a trip down to the south coast on Saturday to face Southampton in the under 18 southern league. It’s been an excellent start to the season for Matt Wells’s talented side, who have won their first three league games of the season, and sit joint top of the southern league along with Arsenal and West Ham on nine points. After another excellent performance to beat Chelsea 2-0 at Hotspur Way last Saturday, Wells’s side will be brimming with confidence ahead of our encounter with the Saints. We have enjoyed our time at Southampton’s Staplewood training ground during recent seasons. Last season we beat a richly talented Southampton side 2-1, the season before that we thrashed them 6-2 and the season before that we beat them 3-1! Hoping to carry that winning trend into Saturday’s game, Spurs will be hoping to produce more of the sparkling attacking football which saw them overcome Brighton, Swansea and Chelsea so comprehensively. Long famed for their academy set up, Southampton were one of the most impressive sides we played at under 18 level last season. Although we beat them 2-1 at Staplewood, they gave us a really tough game. Moving the ball around well, they were menacing going forwards. The attacking Irish duo of Michael Obafemi and Jonathan Afolabi were particularly troubling that day, thankfully they are no longer eligible to play at this level. Craig Fleming’s Southampton side haven’t started the new season in the best of form, having only picked up one point from their first three league games. That solemn point came in the Saints 2-2 draw with Fulham last Saturday. Southampton actually had a really good season in the league during the 2017/18 campaign. Finishing above us in third place, Fleming’s side finished the season with 42 points. Arguably not as strong as last season Southampton’s main danger men are Sean Brennan and Craig Norton. It’s also worth mentioning their 16 year old winger Rio Glean, Glean was a schoolboy with Spurs last season. However, they also have a particularly strong defence.

With the likes of Kameron Ledwidge, Pascal Kpohomouh and David Agbontohoma just some of their talented defenders. With the under 23 game against Arsenal occurring the night before the Southampton game, I wouldn’t be surprised if Parrott, Maghoma and possibly even Bennett are selected for that game. Hence, being unavailable for our encounter with the Saints the following morning, this could mean that the likes of Mukendi and Asante will start the game. On current form you’d have to fancy our lads making it four wins from four when these two teams meet on Saturday morning. However, a team of Southampton’s ilk can never be underestimated and if we let them play their own brand of attacking football then they will punish us for it. I’m sure it will be an entertaining game of football down on the south coast and as always I shall be there to report on it. After reporting on our under 23’s north London derby at the Emirates the previous night I’ll be heading straight down to Southampton ahead of Saturday mornings game.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie (OG*), Tainio, Binks, Lyons-Foster, White, Bowden, A.Shashoua (c), Markanday, Patterson, Mukendi, Asante.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Walcott, Okedina, Thorpe, Pochettino.

Doubtful: Dennis Cirkin and Maxwell Statham.

Injured/unavailable: Rodel Richards and Rayan Clarke.

OG* = Overage goalkeeper.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My score prediction: Spurs 2-0.

My one to watch: Southampton’s nimble footed forward Sean Brennan, adept at playing out wide or through the middle as a number ten. Brennan represented Ireland at the U17 Euros this summer and is another Irish teenager to have made the move to the south coast club. Brennan was particularly threatening during our 1-1 with Southampton at Hotspur Way last season. The 17 year olds trickery and speed down the left side caused major problems for Tottenham fullback Jamie Reynolds that day.

ICYMI: https://superhotspur.com/2018/08/27/spurs-under-18s-2-0-chelsea-match-report/