Arsenal face Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals tonight. The Emirates Stadium plays host to the stars of the future as the Under-18 sides from the respective Premier League giants do battle in the last eight in north London, just a week before the senior teams clash in the top-flight at Old Trafford.
Chido Obi’s quick reunion with his former club did initially look likely to be the biggest talking point on Friday evening, but the prolific teenage striker is now expected to miss the game due to his first-team involvement in United’s FA Cup last-16 meeting with Fulham on Sunday. However, there are still plenty of talented academy players keen to impress, including from the Arsenal side the likes of 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous.
The Red Devils have a number of other gifted youngsters in their current ranks aside from Obi and fellow ex-Arsenal player Ayden Heaven, including Harry Amass, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon. Follow Arsenal vs Manchester United live below, including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates.
Arsenal vs Manchester United latest news
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Kick-off time: 7pm GMT, Emirates Stadium
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How to watch
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Chido Obi set to miss out for Man United
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Arsenal players to watch
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Score prediction
Chido Obi set to miss out on swift Arsenal reunion
16:38 , George Flood
The biggest team news tonight surrounds the involvement (or lack thereof) of a certain Chido Obi.
The teenage striker sensation’s latest hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Chelsea’s Under-18s at Leigh Sports Village earlier this month set up an enticing showdown with the club he left for Old Trafford only last year.
Obi’s return to north London was set to be the main talking point for this game, but reports today have unsurprisingly confirmed that he will not be in the United squad.
That is because his ongoing goal-scoring form at youth level combined with United’s recent injury crisis has seen him promoted to first-team duties under Ruben Amorim, appearing on the bench in the last three senior matches and making cameos against both Tottenham and Everton.
He is expected to be involved again when United host Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday as he continues to push for a maiden senior start amid the ongoing struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United
16:32 , George Flood
TV channel and live stream: Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on the FA’s official YouTube channel.
Arsenal’s official website and app will also show the game live.
Arsenal vs Manchester United live
16:31 , George Flood
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the high-profile FA Youth Cup quarter-final showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The stars of the future take centre stage at the Emirates Stadium tonight with a place in the last four on the line, with hugely talented youngsters from both Premier League giants hoping to send a clear message to Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim that they are ready to make the step up to senior level.
Kick-off in north London this evening is scheduled for 7pm GMT, so stick with us for match build-up plus team news and live updates including expert analysis from Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings at the Emirates.
