Arsenal’s u23s play Manchester United in the Premier League 2, with new-boy Konstantinos Mavropanos to make his debut tonight at 19:00 GMT. The match will be live on Arsenal Player.
The Gunners currently sit in third place in the PL2 table. They’re six points between Leicester City in second, but have two games in hand on the Foxes. Liverpool are comfortably top of the table, seven points ahead of Arsenal, having played one game more.
Monday night’s fixture represents a chance for the youngsters to make use of their game in hand to gain on both teams. It’s also an opportunity for some players who haven’t been playing regularly to get back to match action.
For example, Eddie Nketiah hasn’t started a senior match or an academy match since December 10. It also might be an opportunity for new signing Konstantinos Mavropanos to make his debut for the club too.
Wenger now says he plans to keep the Greek defender rather than loaning him out. Since the 20-year-old has only featured in training so far, the u23s might be a good way to ease him in.
Arsenal’s opponents for the match are currently two points off bottom spot in the division. United have won two, drawn five and lost six so far this campaign. Hopefully the Gunners can compound their misery by adding another defeat.