Our under-18s host Aston Villa on Saturday, November 1, as they aim to get their U18 Premier League South campaign back on track. Kick-off at the Sobha Reality Training Centre is scheduled for 12pm (UK time).
Whilst we went undefeated from our first six league games, with four wins and two draws, it had been a difficult October for our young Gunners, following two losses against West Bromwich Albion and Fulham. Despite the recent drop in form, we remain just a point behind table toppers Crystal Palace - view the league table.
In our loss to the Cottagers a week ago, Ceadach O'Neill halved the deficit after we had gone two down early on, but the comeback was halted by a second half defensive blockade, and we ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat.
The Opposition
The Villans were crowned champions of last season's U18 Premier League South. However, like us, they have endured a mixed start to 2025/26, with four wins registered against Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Palace, and their most recent, a 5-2 victory over Southampton. They currently sit in seventh place with 12 points, two fewer than us, but have played a game fewer.
In the U18 Premier League Cup, Villa have enjoyed the perfect start to Group B with impressive triumphs over Liverpool and Newcastle. A point or more from their final fixture with Leicester City will seal their place as group winners.
The Birmingham-based side is also competing in the UEFA Youth League at under-19s level, for only the second time in their history, having been knocked out in the round of 16 last season to eventual winners Barcelona. This term, they entered the competition via the Domestic Champions route and are soon due to play the second leg of their clash with Albanian side KF Skënderbeu, with the tie all square after a 1-1 draw away on the continent.
We last faced the young Lions on the final day of 2024/25 in a 3-0 victory, when a Max Dowman brace, followed by a third from Louis Zecevic John, saw off the already confirmed title winners and secured our third-placed finish.
How to Follow
Kick-off is at 12pm (UK time). Live updates will be available on our Academy X page, with a full match report on Arsenal.com shortly after the final whistle.
Post-match, fans can catch interviews with Adam Birchall and one of our young Gunners, alongside highlights of all the key action.
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