Arsenal have a rich history in the FA Youth Cup but tonight the club will be eager to avoid being the victims of a famous upset.
The young Gunners get their Youth Cup campaign underway with a short third round trip to take on Hertford Town.
Playing non-league clubs in this competition is a rare occurrence, although Arsenal did host Royston Town in the fourth round in 2015 as they survived a scare to progress.
Only 1,000 tickets were made available for tonight’s game and it is likely that there will be a feel of an FA Cup third round tie, with Hertford looking to spring an almighty surprise.
Arsenal are likely to field their strongest available team, which could include U21s regular Ayden Heaven and forward Andre Harriman-Annous, who has featured for the older age groups at times this season.
Max Dowman is considered too young to feature by the competition’s rules, while Ethan Nwaneri is eligible but is more likely to be involved with the first-team against Manchester United tomorrow night. Myles Lewis-Skelly could also have first-team commitments but is struggling with an injury in any case.
Arsenal haven’t won any of their four games since Adam Birchall took charge and know that they must return to winning ways tonight.
Hertford Town knocked out Bristol Rovers in the previous round so Arsenal cannot afford to take anything for granted.
Theo Julienne could have an important part to play for Arsenal, especially if he is deployed in midfield, while the likes of Dan Casey and Louie Copley may also feature prominently, with Ife Ibrahim another option.
Heaven’s relative experience in defence could prove to be very useful and it will be intriguing to see whether he partners Brayden Clarke at centre-back or whether the latter is deployed at right-back with Will Sweet at the heart of the defence. Cam’ron Ismail could feature at left-back.
In attack, the likes of Louis Zecevic John and schoolboy Brando Bailey-Joseph could support Harriman-Annous, although Ceadach O’Neill will also be pushing for a start.
Goalkeeper Jack Porter has been struggling with an injury, with Khari Ranson ready to start if he is unavailable.
Arsenal will have to be completely focused from the outset and know that Hertford Town will be determined to capitalise upon any errors.