Pre-Match Report

Reserves: Fulham v Arsenal - Match Preview

Motspur Park

By Nick Teale

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With Arsรจne Wenger set to take a 'Carling Cup' side to Olympiacos, there is an even more youthful look to the Reserve-team squad that travels to Fulham tonight.

After a superb start to the season the Gunners' second string have now not won in their last three games. But tonight they have a chance to make up ground on Reserve League South leaders Aston Villa who have played a game more than Neil Banfield's side.
 
Fulham lie fifth in the nine-team league but have only lost twice this season, though one of those defeats was against Arsenal back in August.
 
It was the Gunners' first game of the campaign and goals from Gilles Sunu, Roarie Deacon and Francis Coquelin saw Banfield's side make a flying start to the season.
 
However, only three players who started in that match are in the squad for tonight's return fixture.
 
With the FA Youth Cup Third Round tie against Crewe just around the corner, tonight represents an opportunity for some of the Club's Under-18 stars to stake a claim for a place in Steve Bould's squad for next week's clash.
 
Chuks Aneke has been prolific for the youth team this season and is likely to get his chance alongside Sanchez Watt and Luke Freeman up front.
 
Sead Hajrovic is set to make his second-string debut in the back line and Daniel Boateng could make his first start of the season too.
 
The game is being broadcast live on Arsenal TV Online. Our coverage starts at 6:50pm for a 7pm kick off.