Yep, almost a Lucas Perez compilation.
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Arsenal U21s will compete in the Checkatrade Trophy alongside other U21 teams from a number of other Premier League and Championship Clubs. We turned down the invitation last season, along with most other Premier League clubs (Chelsea accepted and reached the semi-final, Spurs, City and Newcastle also participated).
It's a competition ordinarily for League 1 and 2 clubs and I've got mixed feelings about our participation. However, it'll be really good experience for our kids to go away to proper grounds in matches that matter--they will no doubt learn a lot.
There's an initial group stage and we've been drawn in Group E, alongside Cheltenham Town, Coventry City and Forest Green Rovers. It's only 3 games; each team plays each other once, either home or away. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and then a penalty shootout at the end of a draw where the winner gets an extra point. So a little confusing. Top two teams qualify and there is one invited team in every group, 16 groups in total.
After that it's a straight knockout, whoever is drawn at home has the advantage and there's extra time and penalties if needed. With the final played at Wembley.
It would be a weird one to win, but hopefully we'll get to see a few more games. There should be a way of watching all of Arsenal's matches and Sky cover the semis and final. Starts in September so might affect how many kids feature in the Carabou Cup. Let's see what they can do!
