Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal under-18 hosts West Ham United in the FA Youth Cup final tonight.
Arsenal booked their place in the final after beating Manchester City – with Michal Rosiak and Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring in a 2-1 win for the Gunners.
The Hammers beat Southampton 6-1 in the other semi-final – with Divin Mbuma, Callum Marshall, Gideon Kodua and Favor Fawunmi all just ahead of West Ham.
Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Arsenal’s encounter with West Ham United in the FA Youth Cup, including how to watch and team news.
Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-1 to progress to the final against West Ham
West Ham United defeated Southampton 6–1 in the other semi-final at the London Stadium
When is Arsenal vs West Ham?
The FA Youth Cup final between Arsenal and West Ham takes place tonight at the Emirates Stadium.
The kick-off between the two sides starts at 7 p.m.
Arsenal came into the game following a 2–2 draw away to Leicester City, while the Hammers also played the Foxes in their final game, winning 3–1.
The Gunners have won seven FA Youth Cups, with only Chelsea and Manchester United winning more. Their last success came in 2009 when they beat Liverpool 5-3.
As for West Ham will be looking to win their fourth FA Youth Cup. Their first success came in 1963 when they beat Liverpool, while their second came in 1981 after they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the final. The club’s most recent win was in 1999 when they beat Coventry City 9–0 over two legs.
Arsenal will be looking for the eighth FA Youth Cup against the Hammers tonight
West Ham have won three FA Youth Cups, the last of which came back in 1999
Tonight’s final between the Gunners and the Hammers is expected to kick off at 7 p.m
How to watch
Tonight’s game between the Gunners and West Ham will be available to watch via FA Player’s live stream.
West Ham have confirmed they will be running a live blog on their official website – kicking off at 5.30pm. Highlights from the match will be available on the club’s official YouTube channel on Wednesday morning.
Arsenal fans who want to go still have the chance to buy a ticket through the the club’s official website. An adult ticket costs £5, while concessions have to pay £2.
The FA Youth Cup final between Arsenal and West Ham will take place at the Emirates Stadium
Team news
After starting in the semi-final victory over City, Omari Benjamin is expected to take charge for the Gunners tonight.
Michal Rosiak and Amario Cozier-Duberry both impressed in the semi-final against City and look set to play their part from the start.
As for the Hammers, Divin Mbuma is lined up to start from scratch at the Emirates tonight
West Ham captain Gideon Kodua appears to be playing alongside Mbuma and Callum Marshall.
What was said?
Speaking after the sides won Manchester City in the semi-final, Wilshere revealed that the final will be one of the best experiences of his life.
“I saw the final of the Youth Cup last year and there were 60,000. And I know our fans are better than Man United fans,” he said.
‘Let’s build it. I watch the women’s games and that energy and feeling that the fans can create is special. I want the players to experience that.’
He added: “It hasn’t sunk in yet… it’s a special feeling and the final will be a very special occasion, one of the best in my life.”
Jack Wilshere said the final against West Ham will be one of the best experiences of his life
As for the Hammers, Kevin Keen’s side recently beat Arsenal, but explained that the game doesn’t give him any indication ahead of the final.
“I don’t think this game is any indication,” Keen said after West Ham’s 2-0 win over the Gunners.
“They probably learned more about us and our team. I don’t think today has any reflection on the FA Youth Cup final.
“It will be another game at the Emirates Stadium and there is hope that there will be 20,000 spectators there. For our boys that would be absolutely amazing and whatever happens we are going to try and enjoy it and play football like we do; in the proud way of West Ham.’