I doubt we see it happen but not because it shouldnt, but because its not really poch's style to throw kids into a one off game.
For the sake of the arguement, say that we brought up Sterling, Edwards, Skipp or TOB and Tanganga, Im confident that we have the quality in depth were we should be able to handle APOEL and then some.
Austin
Hinds Eyoma BLF Brown
Marsh Skipp/TOB/Roles
Bennetts/Roles Maghoma Shashou
Griffiths
And even if we dont qualify, would playing in the one off game be that horrible. Be a great way to put the kids in a high pressure situatio, away from home. It would be a great developmental tool imo.
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.
Getting senior minutes can never be a bad thing for a young player. I'd argue all 4 of the players I suggested to consider for 1st team action have shown through there performances this year that they are ready to progress. Especially those in areas we are lacking depth in, Sterling, Edwards and Skipp, could prove that they can fill a role in the squad, if given a chance. Specifically Sterling since Llorente's been woeful.I understand the benefits of playing first team football but it has to be because they are ready to make that progression up. Little point in just playing this one game and then not seeing first team action again until another meaningless match crops up.
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.
But surely them progressing as far as they can in the most prestigious youth competition will benefit their development greatly? I know it is first team football, and it's in the CL but our game against Apoel is now nothing more than a friendly. Personally I'd rather they play in the YCL, and we progress as far as possible.
u18 line up vs arsenal:
de bie; hinds, walcott, statham, lyons-foster; p.maghoma, reynolds, patterson; clarke, lloyd-bennett; griffiths
subs: oluwayemi, bowden, pochettino, a.shashoua, richards
So wrong that Arsenal will not let people in to watch these matches,I have seriously looked at buying a Drone just so I can watch the matchLooks a well balanced side for a 4231 Patterson as AM. Hopefully Bennett and Clarke have good games. Clearly Walcott and JB rewarded after last week.
Still not sure in Reynolds but he has looked better recently
u18 line up vs arsenal:
de bie; hinds, walcott, statham, lyons-foster; p.maghoma, reynolds, patterson; clarke, lloyd-bennett; griffiths
subs: oluwayemi, bowden, pochettino, a.shashoua, richards
I haven’t seen Markanday mentioned for a while. Is he injured?
I am sure it was him and if it was he scored as well.would guess so, can't imagine any other reason why he wouldn't be playing.
@edson said he saw him play 45 mins in a friendly against mk last week.
Who is Lloyd - Bennetts? Our U16?
we're 3-0 down.
obviously losing on purpose for the sake of development though
edit: 4-0 now spurs twitter going to take a mauling when they tweet the score.