BATTH HOT ON PULIS AS BOSS

vKick-off 7.45pm

FEW people will back Blackpool to shock in-form Arsenal at the Emirates tonight

But if there is one man who knows anything is possible in football it is the League One side’s versatile defender Michael Nottingham.

Nottingham, who briefly quit football at 21, has spent most of his career grafting away in nonleague while doing a string of jobs to make ends meet.

But he never stopped believing he would make it.

And now, aged 29, he has finally reached the Football League and hopes to run out at the Emirates for the Tangerines a year to the day since he played at Boston United in the Conference North.

He said: “I am one of those who believe anything is possible. Kick-off 8pm UNAI EMERY has turned to youth for Arsenal’s clash with lower league Blackpool this evening.

Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Julio Pleguezuelo and Eddie Nketiah were all chosen by the Gunners boss to take part in first-team training yesterday.

The quartet missed out on Arsenal Under-21s’ Checkatrade Trophy tie with Cheltenham last night and could now face

WORRIED Middlesbrough fans have been told to put their trust in boss Tony Pulis if they want promotion. No Boro player has scored in more than six hours at the Riverside, with their strike in the Tangerines. Midfielder Smith Rowe (left) was the breakthrough player for Emery during the club’s pre-season tour – and has managed to make three firstteam appearances already this season.

The talented 18-year-old started against Brentford in the last round, and also scored his first senior goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag earlier this month.

the 1-1 draw with Derby on Saturday being a freak own goal by Jayden Bogle.

Despite the Teessiders facing a last-16 League Cup tie tonight and being in the promotion mix, many fans are disgruntled with the football being served up by Pulis’ side.

But defender Danny Batth (left), who went up with Wolves last term, said Boro are in safe hands. “There are

lots of different ways to win promotion and our boss knows what is required,” he said.

“He’s probably played every formation ever invented. He’s tried this, that and the other so he knows what he’s doing.

“The fans should have peace of mind knowing they have him in charge. He’s got a proven track record and a bunch of lads who will run through a brick wall for the badge.”