U18s to tackle Gunners

Tony Carr's Under-18s face a tough test when they host Arsenal in the FA Premier Academy League on Saturday morning.

Carr's youngsters return to action after a fortnight's break eager to build on their 2-0 victory at Portsmouth on 17 October.

However, with Arsenal going into the match at Little Heath top of the Group A table, the sixth-placed Hammers know they face a stern challenge in the shape of former Gunners defender Steve Bould's team.

Saudi Arabia-born forward Ahmed Abdulla, who began his career with Arsenal before moving to West Ham at the age of 16, will be eager to get one over his former side.

One player Carr will be without is goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet, who is on international duty with Turkey at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria. Peter Loveday or Sam Cowler are expected to deputise. Striker Robert Hall is with the England U17 squad in Azerbaijan.

Arsenal have also been affected by international commitments, with Netherlands midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup and Switzerland defender Sead Hajrovic also away in Africa and leading scorer Benik Afobe on England U17 duty.

Meanwhile, defender Derek Boateng is suspended and goalkeepers James Shea and Sean McDermott are struggling with injuries.

Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with admission and parking free.