Arsenal U21s ready to commence EFL Trophy campaign against Barnet
Ahead of their opening Premier League 2 fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend, Arsenal U21s will firstly take on Barnet’s senior side tomorrow in the group stages of the EFL Trophy.
The young Gunners have failed to progress beyond the group stages of the competition in each of the last two seasons, with their best run having come in the 2021/22 season, when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Wigan Athletic.
This season they have been given three relatively local ties in the group stages, with their other two games coming against Leyton Orient and AFC Wimbledon.
Arsenal have yet to officially announce their new U21 coach following the departure of Max Porter but it is widely expected that David Horseman, who joined the club last season, will be given the position.
The U21s had a somewhat strange pre-season as they played just one official friendly – a draw against Boreham Wood – before many members of the squad spent time with the first-team.
It remains to be seen which youngsters will be back available for the U21s tomorrow as some players may still be required to train with the senior squad.
Arsenal could also have recent signing Elijah Upson available to make his debut.
With Ismeal Kabia having joined St. Mirren on loan it will be interesting to see who starts for the U21s in the right wing position.
Ceadach O’Neill is capable of playing there but may also be needed in midfield, with Louis Zecevic John and Archie Stevens amongst the alternative options.
The club don’t usually exercise the option to field senior players at this level but there are some members of the first-team squad who could potentially benefit from minutes if needed.
Interestingly, Arsenal U21 goalkeeper Jack Porter has been training with Barnet recently but still remains registered with the Gunners.
Arsenal previously had a strong association with Barnet having played their reserve and FA Youth Cup home games at Underhill for many years until 2013.
The Arsenal youth sides have previously played two games at The Hive.
In 2015, Arsenal U18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by Crewe Alexandra and then four years later Folarin Balogun scored a hat-trick as Arsenal U21s beat Barnet’s first-team 3-2 in a friendly.
Barnet are now in their second season back in League Two and commenced their league campaign with a 3-1 victory against Salford.
It will be intriguing to see what unfolds on this occasion as Arsenal look to get their campaign off to a good start.
Arsenal U21 squad (from): Agustien, Clarke, Dixon, Ranson, Harriman-Annous, Ibrahim, Julienne, Nygaard, Mitchell, Mooney, Ogunnaike, O’Neill, Porter, Upson, Stevens, Washington, Zecevic John, Salmon.
U18 players previously called up in EFL Trophy: Murisa, Owusu-Gyasi.
Injured – * = U18 player: Copley, Bailey-Joseph*, Hamill*, King*.