West Ham United Under-18s coach Nick Haycock believes his young side will continue their perfect start to 2012 when they travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Hammers have registered three wins out of three so far this year, scoring FA Premier Academy victories over Chelsea and Norwich City and an FA Youth Cup fourth-round success against Brighton and Hove Albion - scoring 13 goals in the process.
Having beaten Palace 3-0 in their reverse league fixture at Little Heath in November, Haycock is confident his side can record their fourth consecutive win this weekend.
"The boys have made a good start this year. We've had three tough games and the next four matches will be equally so - Palace, Arsenal, Southampton and Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.
"It'll be a good test of the squad but the squad responded well last week [winning 6-1 against Norwich] and I fully expect them to put the same sort of effort and endeavour into their performances as they have so far in 2012.
"Any one of eight teams can win our group so it'll depend on players being available and cup runs. The biggest target for us is to have more players in the first team than any other club. That's always the ultimate goal, but a good cup run and a nice position in the league is something we strive for.
"Us and Palace are two Academies who produce players for their first teams by doing it in the right way. I've got respect for what they do."
A number of players also know the next few matches will help the coaching staff decide whether or not to offer them their first professional contracts.
"It's a tough time for them, but all the way through their careers they will have to handle the pressure of earning contracts because that is what the game is about.
"Individually, it's something for them to push for. Equally, the boys who have already got contracts cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. They have to work to catch the manager's eye."
One player who has already signed a professional contract is Dylan Tombides. The striker is continuing to undergo treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer last summer, but is hopeful of being able to return to light training in the next few months.
"Obviously Dylan is undergoing treatment and all our thoughts are with him at this testing time. The squad are striving to improve their standards for him to come back into a better place as well."