Match preview

Match preview: Arsenal U-23s v Chelsea

We’re looking to bounce back from our defeat to Liverpool when we host Chelsea at Meadow Park on Monday night.

THE STORY SO FAR

We made a strong start to the New Year by going three matches unbeaten in all competitions.

Against Derby County, we battled back from two goals down to claim a point at home, before producing another comeback a week later to draw with Everton.

In a match that would see six goals and a red card, the Toffees looked to have guaranteed all three points when Lewis Gibson struck with 17 minutes remaining. But we immediately hit back after a slick passing move allowed Matt Smith to score his first goal of the season.

We then delivered a fine display in the PL International Cup to beat Leicester City 3-0 and book our place in the knock-out stages of the competition.

Our first defeat in 2020 came against the Reds on Merseyside, as our youthful side were beaten 3-0.

We currently sit fifth in the PL2 table on 25 points.  

THE OPPOSITION

Chelsea are currently one of the league’s in-form teams, and are yet to taste defeat this season.

The Blues have won eight and drawn eight of their 16 games so far this season, with two of those draws coming in their previous two matches against Everton and Leicester City.

In the reverse fixture, Ben Cottrell netted his first goal for our under-23s but couldn’t prevent us losing 3-1.  

Faustino Anjorin is their current top goalscorer with five goals, and the Blues currently sit second in the table behind Leicester on goal difference.  

ONE TO WATCH

Trae Coyle returned from a short period on the sidelines against Liverpool, and will be looking to get back to his best against the Blues.

Prior to his injury, the winger had scored two goals and registered two assists in 13 appearances for Steve Bould’s side, and was one of the first names on our team sheet.

The 19-year-old scored eight goals and registered six assists for our under-18s last season as they went on to lift the title.  

FOLLOW THE ACTION

You can receive live updates by following our Twitter account @ArsenalAcademy

Stay close to Arsenal.com for our match report and post-match reaction from Steve Bould.

By Sam Cox

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