It’s a case of building momentum as Arsenal’s u23 side entertain Everton in an intriguing fixture on Monday evening.

Having started the season off with poor form and three consecutive defeats, they registered their first victory of the season with a 3-1 away win over Derby last Friday. Chris Willock and Chuba Akpom’s well-taken brace ensured the Young Gunns took all three points back to north London and they’ll be eager for more victories with matches coming thick-and-fast.

The u23's could very well miss Chuba's physical presence, as the talented forward (right) is expected to feature for the first-team against Nottingham Forest. | Photo: Stuart MacFarlane / Getty Images
The u23’s could very well miss Chuba’s physical presence, as the talented forward (right) is expected to feature for the first-team against Nottingham Forest. | Photo: Stuart MacFarlane / Getty Images

Akpom is expected to feature in some capacity against Nottingham Forest in the first-team’s third round EFL Cup fixture, so Stephy Mavididi could be moved further forward or Kaylen Hinds could, fitness permitting, make his first appearance of the new campaign.

Krystian Bielik was an influential figure at the back during the u19’s draw against PSG in midweek and is again expected to captain the side, while Aaron Eyoma could replace Chiori Johnson at right-back, with Johnson also expecting first-team involvement.

Possible XI (4-2-3-1): Keto; Bola, Bielik, da Graca, Eyoma; Sheaf, Zelalem; Willock, Hinds, Maitland-Niles; Mavididi.

The opposition

Everton themselves will be eager to get back to winning ways after succumbing to a slender 1-0 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Sunderland last Tuesday.

Expect rotation of some sort with the first-team having a Cup fixture of their own against Norwich in midweek. The talented duo of Tom Davies and Mason Holgate, both of which started and played the full 90 last week, could be set for more first-team involvement.

Tom Davies (pictured) is Everton's most highly-rated youngster and has already made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this term - could feature in the Cup this upcoming week. | Photo: Lynne Cameron / Getty Images
Tom Davies (pictured) is Everton’s most highly-rated youngster and has already made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this term – could feature in the Cup this upcoming week. | Photo: Lynne Cameron / Getty Images

Bassala Sambou, formerly of Coventry, could be in line for his first start under David Unsworth at this level, while central midfielder, Harry Charsley, will be aiming to continue his excellent form too as a trip to Borehamwood awaits.

Possible XI (4-2-3-1): Hewelt; Foulds, Connolly, Kenny, Jones; Walsh, Charsley; Dowell, Henen, Calvert-Lewin; Sambou.