Summer signings Amaury Bischoff and Mikael Silvestre are set to make their Arsenal debuts tonight - in a reserve game against Stoke City.
Bischoff, 21, signed on a free transfer after his contract expired at Werder Bremen while former Manchester United defender Silvestre, signed towards the end of August after agreeing a move.
Both players have had a previous catalogue of injuries under their old clubs, but tonight can possible build them up as the season starts to get into full force.
Reserves boss Neil Banfield spoke to Arsenal.com ahead of the well-awaited tie at Underhill.
“The manager thought Bischoff and Silvestre need a game. Mikael asked to play, he’s a good pro and he feels he needs a run-out so that will be good for him. Amaury will play as part of his rehabilitation so everything is coming along fine.”
Confirmed Starting XI
Szczesny
Ayling - Bartley - Silvestre - Gibbs
Bischoff - Coquelin - Randall - Wilshere
Fonte - Simpson
Stoke have also named a strong side with Vincent Pericard, Tom Soares, Danny Pugh and Wales centre back Ryan Shawcross playing against his ex-team-mate Mikael Silvestre.
Arsenal TV will be broadcasting the game, so if you’re signed up to the Setanta Sports Package on satellite, tune in to channel 432 at 6:30pm [GMT] tonight.
As usual, you can catch all the pre and post match action over at our good friends, Young Guns.
October 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
is it gonna show on arsenal tv?
October 6th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Yes it is mate, post updated.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Finally we get to see Bischoff playing..I hope we dont all judge him based on today performance
October 6th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Can someone give me some streaming link?
October 6th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
What’s the Bish doing on the wing? I thought his place was central midfielder/physio’s table. Also interested in how Pericard’s going to go for Stoke. At one time, he was the darling of French youth side… but fell away like most non-Wenger Frenchies.
Mostly, interesered why Fabiabski isn’t the reserve goalie. Is he injured?
October 6th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Lucily my dad bought Setanta sports package two days ago ;D
October 6th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Losing 1-0 At The Moment
October 6th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
2-1 To Arsenal At Half Time.
Coquelin and Simpson (pen)
October 6th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
3-2 Full Time.
Rui Fonte Scored The Third
October 6th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
aahh a reserves game to watch
does any 1 else hate the international break lol
October 8th, 2008 at 1:00 am
lol!! with a passion now mate.. its not like before now.