Big big game this weekend for Arsenal against Leeds who will be looking to bounce back after a thumping at the hands of Manchester City. The level of control City have when they play is unparalleled, but 7 nil is an absolute blow out.
The Leeds match preview will come tomorrow but I thought I’d jump a game and have a look at the League cup match vs Sunderland next week.
A cup quarter final is always massive, but this is one we should win comfortably. Sunderland are 3rd in League One at the minute, a far cry from their Premier League days a few years or so ago. In fact the last time they were in the top flight it was the 2016/17 season.
There is not really much to focus on tactically or technically here, but the real talking points will be in the team selection.
Most importantly will there be any youth team players selected?
There are plenty of fringe players to feature and possibly some starting members of the first team. It is after all a quarterfinal even if against such weak opposition. This means the youngsters (if any are selected) will have to deal with a spot in the bench.
Who could be in line:
- Charlie Patino – after a short absence with injury, he is back playing regularly and it really would be awesome to see him feature. He is talked of so highly amongst the older players, and possesses the unique ability to play out smoothly from the back under pressure. Patino really does look so comfortable. You can just imagine him playing alongside a powerful presence and bossing games. He is the right age and this would be a fantastic stage.
- Omari Hutchinson – slightly up and down season so far due to injury, but boy does this young man have some talent. Omari has end product. At the end of the day goals and assists are king, and he has them in bucket loads. The fans love a good dribbler, and he would certainly set the Emirates on fire. He moves well, easy on the eye and seems to make it look effortless.
- Salah-Eddine – a player who can fill multiple positions through midfield and attack. The great thing about this lad is that he doesn’t scrifice any aspects of the game. We have seen his attacking game with the numerous goals at youth level, however most would find it surprising to hear the Salah prides himself on the defensive end. Hard working, tenacious and silky this kid is another to watch.
It really would be awesome to see one or two of the youth team make the step up this season. At the very least a few mins in the cup would show pathways.
Whilst this would be nice, Mikel Arteta is known for going with strong sides in these cup games, so we can take it with a pinch of salt.
The other issue raised by this scenario is how the lack European football makes it much harder to blood the youngsters. Last season ESR, Saka, Joe Willock Eddie Nketiah etc got plenty of mins pre Christmas in the Europa League. It really is a good breeding ground for the youngsters to make the step up.
Let’s hope that we at least see one of the youngsters get a few mins off the bench come next week.
Who knows. Maybe Charlie Patino will get his chance in January with both Thomas Partey and Mo Elneny off to the African Nations Cup.
We can always drea.
Catch you tomorrow for the Leeds preview.
Kia Kaha.
