After the incredible disappointment of Saturday, Arsenal fans may just be provided with something to raise a smile about today. After nine long months, Aaron Ramsey is finally in line to make his comeback in an Arsenal shirt for the Reserves against Wolves at London Colney this afternoon.

Ramsey has been training with the first-team squad for a considerable period of time and did so again yesterday ahead of the Champions League trip to Braga, but the coaching staff and Arsene Wenger in particular are keen not to rush him back into competitive action too abruptly for fear of further setbacks.

Today, on the pristine George Armstrong Memorial pitch and with the medical staff on hand at all times, represents a perfect opportunity for the Welshman to re-accustom himself to a match scenario. No number of training sessions can provide you with the feeling of a match situation and, provided he survives the first tackle okay, this fixture should be a huge step in the right direction for Ramsey on his route to recovery. He is also set to feature in the trip to face West Bromwich Albion in two weeks time.

Ramsey will most likely take the place of Henri Lansbury in midfield after the England under-21 international joined Watford on an emergency loan yesterday. In addition to Ramsey’s presence, there will be plenty of others on show with first-team ambitions, not least Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has ten goals in six games at this level so far this season and will be eyeing a start against Wigan Athletic in the Carling Cup at the end of the month.

With 13 young professionals out on loan and five first-teamers sidelined through injury, coach Neil Banfield finds his options somewhat restricted for this fixture and his bench is likely to have some Academy presence amongst it, although Josh Rees is currently out injured.

The defeat to Aston Villa apart, this season has run somewhat smoothly to date for Banfield’s side, with a victory today enough to take them above Villa at the top of the table on goal difference and with two games in hand. Wolves, in stark contrast, sit bottom of the pile having ascertained a measly six points from eight matches.

It should, then, be another straightforward win for the Gunners, but Banfield will look for displays of enthusiasm and commitment from his players, as well as them seeking to address the multiple problems that they have had in conceding headers from set plays in recent weeks.

Shea

Nordtveit-Boateng-Hajrovic-Miquel

Eastmond-Ozyakup

Aneke-Ramsey-Sunu

E Thomas



