- West Ham United's travel to Chelsea on Saturday (11am kick-off)
- The Hammers have won their last two matches scoring eight goals in the process
- Mark Phillips says his team are full of confidence going into the match
Mark Phillips says his team are relishing the prospect of a battle with London rivals Chelsea this Saturday in the U18 Premier League South Division.
The young Hammers are brimming with confidence after two successive victories against Fulham and, most recently, Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
However, Phillips believes that Chelsea will present a completely different proposition compared to the Hammer’s two previous opponents, but said his team are more than up to the task.
“Chelsea will think they can outpass us and outscore us and have the lion’s share of possession but we’re also confident in ourselves,” said the U18s assistant manager.
“They’ll set up in their own way and won’t change their style no matter who their playing against. They move the ball around really well in midfield. It should be a good encounter and it’s one that me and the boys are looking forward to.”
The Hammers strong form over the last few weeks is thanks in large to striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who scored a hat-trick against Fulham and twice against Brighton.
The 17-year-old’s form is no surprise to Phillips who expects him to continue his purple patch in the games to come.
“Jahmal’s love to score in bunches. Once he’s confident and on a roll, he’ll score lots for us,” he added.
“It’s five in two for him now and that’s not a bad record to have so hopefully he can continue that against Chelsea.”
The U18s travel to west London without their tricky No7 Dan Kemp who’s earned his place Terry Westley’s PL2 squad to face Leicester City in the Premier League Cup.
Phillips’ team kick-off their league fixture with Chelsea at 11am on Saturday at Cobham Training Ground.