Our under-18s’ FA Youth Cup campaign begins in the third round at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday evening.
It’s a 5.30pm kick-off at Meadow Park.
Jack Wilshere’s young Gunners made it all the way to the final last season, but were then beaten by West Ham United.
We’re currently unbeaten in our last five games in all competitions having won against Leicester City, Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Derby County, and drawn against Crystal Palace.
The win against Derby was our last fixture on November 23 in the Premier League Cup. Harrison Dudziak and Ismeal Katia were both on the scoresheet, the latter in the 92nd minute, as we won 2-1 away from home.
Watch a behind-the-scenes documentary of last season’s FA Youth Cup journey.
Opposition guide
Back in 2015, Crewe’s under-18s managed to beat us in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-2 win at The Hive. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock were both in the squad for us that day.
Last season, their FA Youth Cup journey ended in the third round with a 4-3 defeat at home to Cardiff City.
In the competition this season, they have beaten Peterborough United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw as well as Boldmere St Michaels with a 3-0 win.
In the Professional Development League, Crewe are on a mixed run of form following a 5-3 win against Peterborough, a 2-1 defeat to Hull City, and a 0-0 draw with Coventry City.
They’re currently seventh in the league standings with five wins, one draw and five defeats.
How to follow
Tickets are free of charge and supporters can turn up on the day at Meadow Park.
For those following from afar, we will be providing updates across our social channels as well as a full post-match report on Arsenal.com and reaction from Jack Wilshere and one of his players.
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