Kevin Keen is well aware of Friday’s test.
The U18s start their FA Youth Cup defence at home to Southampton – a fixture the lead coach refers to as ‘one of the hardest draws the Hammers could have got’.
The Saints will no doubt pose a tough examination for the young Irons, with the two sides battling to a 2-2 draw earlier this season. Keen agrees.
“Southampton have got a really good team,” the lead coach stated. “I think it is up there as one of the toughest draws we could have got but at the same time, I think they are probably thinking the same thing.
“I have no doubt they might have a few dropping down from their U21s and maybe a few that have played in their first team too.
“But I think the lads know that when you go into a bit of a mad FA Youth Cup week you still don't need to get ready in any other way.
“The boys are motivated. They know the Club has a good history in it and know everyone at West Ham wants to do well."
The Hammers are entering the competition as defending champions for the fourth time, having memorably beaten Arsenal 5-1 at Emirates Stadium in the final last May.
Across that run the Irons secured memorable wins over Ipswich Town and the Saints too.
Coming into 2023/24 as holders is an experience that Keen admits will be unusual.
“It is a little bit different,” Keen stated. “I have never been in that situation [as a lead coach].
"We had a different team last season, with a lot of senior boys who have gone on to the U21s, so it is very much a different side as you do get every year [at Under-18 level].
“We have been building since pre-season and have started to get a few good results in the league. We are definitely improving as a group but there is still a little way to go."
During the Hammers run to glory last season, only one fixture – likewise against the Saints - was played at home.
That night West Ham were roared on by a buoyant crowd – and Keen hopes for another large support from the Claret and Blue Army on Friday at Rush Green.
“It will be nice to hopefully get a good crowd in,” he concluded. “I hope we get a few fans in – and will be nice to get them in to support the lads.
“The U21s have been supported fantastically in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy and this is the start of our Cup run. It will be good to get a few fans in that can make a little bit of an atmosphere.
“It is another challenge on Friday that will really test us but hopefully we are the best team and we come out on the right side of the result.”
You can secure tickets for the U18s' FA Youth Cup fixture by clicking here.
