Gooner Talk

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.

Bolton Fabrice Muamba’s recent performances haven’t lived up to the hype surrounding the Reebok hardman.

Wanderers boss Gary Megson believes he has something to prove tomorrow evening, in a game which will see Muamba face his former team.

Gary Megson says the England under-21 international’s form has dipped since starring on the opening day of the season against Stoke, mirroring Wanderers’ own slump in fortunes.

“He started the season very well against Stoke, I thought he had a fantastic game,” Megson said. “But his standard since then hasn’t quite reached that height.”

Muamba joined then-Premier League side Birmingham in January 2007 from Arsenal for an initial £2 million pounds, that fee eventually rose to £4 million following criteria on appearances being met.