SCENE SETTER
The Reds are set to face Arsenal U21 in the EFL Trophy tomorrow night at The People’s Pension Stadium, having lost to Cheltenham Town last weekend at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium. The Reds were unbeaten in three consecutive games before Saturday’s defeat.
FORM GUIDE
On the back of a 1-1 draw with Southend United on the previous weekend, The Reds travelled to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium to take on Cheltenham Town.
The hosts dominated the majority of the fixture, taking the lead in the 33rd minute courtesy of a long throw-in from Ben Tozer, catching the head of Reds defender Tony Craig and looping over a helpless Glenn Morris. Cheltenham found themselves two to the good shortly after the half time break. Andrew Williams capitalised on a Jordan Tunnicliffe slip on the edge of the Reds penalty area as he fired the hosts into a two goal lead.
In Arsenal U21’s last outing they beat Ipswich Town 2-1 in the EFL Trophy. Jon Nolan put the Blues ahead before Norweigan, George Lewis, leveled it up for the Gunners on the stroke of half time. Folarin Balogun netted in the 54th minute to secure Arsenal all three points, putting them level with Gillingham at the top of Group B in the Southern Section of the EFL Trophy.
Arsenal’s U21 side will likely feature some members of the U23 setup who last time out lost 3-0 away to Chelsea U23’s.
THE HISTORY
Tomorrow night will be the first competitive fixture between the two sides.
THE OPPOSITION
Arsenal U21 possess a multitude of threats spread throughout the field. Folarin Balogun is the Gunners’ main talisman having scored 10 goals in 16 appearances last season, as well as scoring his side's winner in their first EFL Trophy game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. George Lewis also scored in that game having joined Arsenal in the summer from Norweigan side Fram Larvik. The 20-year-old possesses a great threat on the left-wing with his speed and agility.
The Arsenal academy is well known to have produced great talent, most recently the likes of Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
With the first team on international duty, the Gunners may introduce some senior players into the squad for tomorrow night's fixture - three first-team players are permitted to feature.
TEAM NEWS
Once again there are no new injury worries for the Reds, with a full squad available for selection, apart from the documented long-term injury of Reece Grego-Cox.
HOW THEY BET
Crawley Town - 13/8
Draw - 13/5
Arsenal U21 - 23/20
COVERAGE
You can purchase a match pass on iFollow Crawley for £10 by clicking here.
