Pre-Match Report

U-23s: Derby County v Arsenal - Preview

Under-23s set to kick-off Premier League 2 season against Derby County.

 

THE STORY SO FAR

 

We begin our Premier League 2 campaign with a visit to St. George’s Park on Monday evening as we take on Derby County.

Steve Gatting’s side finished in fourth place last season, signing off with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

Our record last time out saw us pick up 10 wins, drawing three times and losing nine matches.



THE OPPOSITION



We head north to face Derby County having won both of our meetings with the Rams last season.

Derby finished eighth in Premier League 2 last season, recovering after a faltering start to the campaign.

In the corresponding fixture last season we ran out 3-1 winners, with a brace from Chuba Akpom following Chris Willock’s opener.



ONE TO WATCH

 

Eddie Nketiah could lead our attack in this Premier League 2 opener.

The 18-year-old forward scored 25 times in 34 appearances at all age levels last season, earning himself a place in Arsene Wenger’s squad for the pre-season tour of Australia and China.

Nketiah has already been on target in pre-season, scoring in our under-23s’ 5-1 win at Leyton Orient.



LAST TIME WE MET

 

We recorded a 2-1 win over Derby when they visited London Colney in January.

Savvas Mourgos broke the deadlock after just six minutes when he slotted home after an exquisite pass on the half-volley from Ismael Bennacer.

The visitors levelled just seven minutes after the break, but Mourgos and Nketiah combined with 20 minutes remaining, with the latter providing the winning goal.



FOLLOW THE ACTION



We’ll be providing live updates on the action from St. George’s Park on our Twitter account - @Arsenal.

Kick-off is at 7pm (UK time).