The lowdown on our Under-18s' Saturday morning opponents, as Saints teams face a double dose of Arsenal action this weekend...
THE MATCH
Southampton U18 vs Arsenal U18
Under-18 Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Saturday 23rd February, 11:30am GMT
It's been a waiting game for the young Saints over the past three weeks. No fixture since the end of January has given them a chance to reflect on a positive start to 2019, as well as ample time to build up to a big tie with Arsenal today.
Paul Hardyman's side were 3-1 winners over Fulham last time out, but arguably face a much sturdier test this morning, with table toppers Arsenal leapfrogging Tottenham after victory over Leicester City in the week.
Today's visitors were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup the weekend before, but responded with a 5-0 thumping of the Foxes, where Tyreece John-Jules hit a first-half hat-trick - taking his tally to ten for the season.
That win meant that the young Guns enter today one point clear at the top of the Under-18s Premier League table - but second-placed Tottenham have played a game less.
Saints have the chance to make up ground on West Ham and Aston Villa immediately above, who both have a two point advantage, with eight league games remaining.
COACH'S THOUGHTS: Paul Hardyman
There's plenty of activity in the Academy camp, despite a three-week fixture respite, as Hardyman reveals that preparation has already begun for next season, but first, the young Saints have eight league games left to negotiate - starting with Arsenal...
"It's always a tough game against Arsenal," the Under-18s boss began. "We know what to expect from one of the best academies in the country.
"We'll draw plenty of confidence from two wins and a draw in our last three league fixtures - that's a good platform to enter a tough game.
"We were excellent against them away from home and really unlucky not to take something away from the game.
"There was only one goal in it, but we missed a penalty and a few good opportunities so I'm hoping we've learnt from that and are able to take our chances today.
"We're beginning to plan for next year already, so this game will be a good measure of how far we've come this season."
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