Lee Carsley‘s side will be hoping to register a victory if they are to challenge at the top of Merit Group A in the U18 Premier League.
Who will play a key role?
Jadon Sancho v Jordi Osei-Tutu
Sancho, City’s talismanic left winger, is at the heart of everything good the Blues have done so far this season. The England U17 youth international is not only one of City’s greatest goal threats, he’s also crucial for creating space for his teammates by attracting a number of defenders towards him.
The winger is often doubled up on by opposing sides but he can still find a way past the challenges whether with the ball at his feet or picking out a colleague that has taken advantage of the extra space.
Osei-Tutu is Arsenal’s most used player in the U18 Premier League so far this season and while fatigue may not be too much of a concern, the right-back is going to have to be a full throttle in order to keep Sancho out of the game in a way that England international Carl Jenkinson couldn’t during last month’s Premier League 2 match.
View highlights of the recent draw with Manchester United below...
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Phil Foden v Joseph Willock
Two creative midfielders with the world at their feet, equally adept with the ball at their feet or running through the midfield area.
Foden, who often sits on the left side of City’s midfield three, has been one of the biggest influences on City’s youngsters throughout the campaign and has garnered a reputation throughout the country.
Capable of driving forward, threading the final ball or taking a shot from distance himself, Foden has it all in his locker. With Willock looking to play a similar style, both will have to play an active role in their defensive units to gain the upper hand.
City’s U18s will welcome Reading in the U18 Premier League next with kick-off at 11am on Saturday 22 April. Follow the match on mancity.com and @ManCityAcademy!
