Pre-Match Report

U-23s: Arsenal v Everton - The Brief

Under-23s celebrate

Our under-23s have the opportunity to go top of the Premier League 2 on Monday night as they host the league leaders at Meadow Park.

THE STORY SO FAR

Freddie Ljungberg’s side head into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 win over an experienced Leicester City side - meaning they’re now unbeaten in their last six PL2 outings. 

Tobi Omole and Robbie Burton popped up with the goals against the Foxes, but 17-year-olds Tyreece John-Jules and Bukayo Saka threatened throughout with some intricate link-up play in the final third. 

We’ve scored 17 goals over the course of the season so far and kept two clean sheets in our last three league fixtures. Eddie Nketiah remains our biggest threat in the final third this season, having scored four times in four PL2 outings.

Nketiah

THE OPPOSITION

The Toffees are top of the table on goal difference, having conceded fewer goals than any other side in the league (3).

Their only defeat of the season so far came in a 1-0 loss to Derby on the road, but they’ve since responded with back-to-back victories against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Forward Sambou Bassala and midfielder Anthony Evans have both scored three goals in seven PL2 appearances this season.

Everton U-23 forward Bassala

ONE TO WATCH

Given the organisation and resilience that Everton have shown at the back this season, Xavier Amaechi will need to be at his creative best on Friday night.

The skilful winger is capable of producing moments of magic by beating his man or playing an inch-perfect pass - and that’s exactly what we’ll need to unlock the Toffees defence. 

He’s recorded one goal and three assists in just four PL2 appearances this season, and that’s made all the more impressive by the fact that he’s just 17 years of age.

Xavier Amaechi
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