Arsenal U21s face their first away test of the season tomorrow evening as they travel to take on Nottingham Forest.
Having been beaten 3-2 by Fulham in the opening game of the campaign, Arsenal will be determined to secure all three points with coach Max Porter adapting to his new job after stepping up from previously being assistant coach.
Despite some players being in need of moves, there haven’t been any exits, temporary or otherwise, from the U21 squad this week, so it is likely to be a similar group of players to the last game.
Wingers Ismeal Kabia and Charles Sagoe Jr are vastly experienced at U21 level and both got on the scoresheet last week, while centre-back Marli Salmon will hope to start again despite there being competition for places in defence.
New signing Demiane Agustien showed glimpses of his ability in midfield against Fulham and a good performance from the prospect could be key to determining Arsenal’s chances of victory against Forest.
Porter has a decision to make regarding who starts at the base of the midfield. Harrison Dudziak, who appears to have been named as captain of the U21s, started in that position against Fulham but seems more suited to playing further forwards. Ife Ibrahim is still eligible for the U18s but impressed as a substitute on his U21s debut against the Cottagers and will hope for further involvement this time around.
Forest, meanwhile, started their Premier League 2 campaign with a win as they beat West Ham 1-0 away, with Archie Whitehall scoring the only goal of the game.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird