Strong Reserve Side For Season Opener

KEVIN Keen has named a strong Reserve side for West Ham United's opening game of the Barclaycard Premiership Reserve League South against Arsenal at Barnet this evening.

There are seven players with first-team experience on duty against the Gunners, Trent McClenahan, Malky Mackay, Carl Fletcher, Gavin Williams, Youssef Sofiane and Steve Lomas all included in the starting line-up.

New signing from Cardif City James Collins is also included for his competitive debut in the claret and blue, a player with 85 senior appearances to his name and five international caps for Wales.

Youngster Matt Reed plays in goal, while Darren Blewitt makes his first start for the Reserves since a loan spell at Southend United.

Up front, Petr Mikolanda is set to make his competitive debut for the Hammers after earning a contract thanks to some impressive performances on trial during pre-season. He will be paired with Sofiane, back from a loan spell at Roda JC, while England Youth international Kyel Reid plays on the left of midfield.

The team to face Arsenal is:

1. Matt Reed (GK)
2. Trent McClenahan
3. Darren Blewitt
4. James Collins
5. Malky Mackay
6. Carl Fletcher
7. Gavin Williams
8. Steve Lomas
9. Petr Mikolanda
10. Youssef Sofiane
11. Kyel Reid

12. Moses Ashikodi
13. Eren Kemal (GK)
14. David Cowley
15. Jemel Henry
16. Hogan Ephraim
17. Jack Collison

Arsenal v West Ham United at Barnet FC, kick-off 7.00pm.