Leeds United U21s v West Ham United U21s
Premier League 2, Elland Road, Friday 25 August, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s continue their Premier League 2 campaign with a trip to Leeds United on Friday evening.
The Irons travel to Elland Road hoping to record their second PL2 win on the bounce and third straight win in all competitions.
Boosted by recent victories over Sunderland and Valencia, Steve Potts’ men will be confident ahead of their third PL2 outing of the season.
Read on for our preview below:
Prenderville: It is important our U21s get used to playing games in quick succession
U21s assistant coach Gerard Prenderville is confident the young Hammers can continue the winning momentum on Friday evening, despite such a congested fixture list due to involvement in the Premier League International Cup.
Three games in seven days – Sunderland last Friday, Valencia on Tuesday, and then Leeds this Friday – means there has been a quick turnaround between fixtures for the U21s.
Prenderville is adamant the Irons must learn to cope with the demands of a packed schedule.
“It is always busy in September, October…and that build up to the Christmas break,” Prenderville, who has stepped up from an U18s coaching role to assist Steve Potts following Mark Robson’s promotion to the first team coaching staff, explained.
“It is a lot about learning for the boys because whatever level they go on to play at they will be looking at two games maybe even three game weeks.
“So, it’s back on the training pitch, travel Thursday, and then there is a game on Friday. Leeds will be another strong test. They are aggressive, look to get on the front foot, and press from the front.”
What is clear is that confidence is growing amongst the U21s as, after a difficult start away to Arsenal, two wins have followed on the bounce.
There was plenty to enjoy from performances in east London over the past week but now it is about transitioning that to their travels. Leeds United, who beat Manchester United 2-1, will be a difficult test, though. So, what can the Hammers take from their win last time out?
“The players' application and desire, I thought it was fantastic against Valencia,” Prenderville added. “We gave ourselves a real platform with the way we defended, and a little bit of magic from Gids wins us the match.
“By not conceding you give yourself a chance, you are always one moment away from winning the game. We will look to carry on how we have been performing in the last two games and are looking forward to the challenge Leeds will present.”
Knightbridge: We have lots of top keepers in our ranks!
After a successful season on loan with Harrow Borough, Jacob Knightbridge is back with West Ham United U21s and looking to push on.
A key figure in the Irons’ recent Premier League 2 win, Knightbridge is one of the many talented goalkeeper in the Academy’s ranks.
With Joseph Anang featuring for the U21s against Valencia, Knightbridge also faces competition from fellow goalkeepers Mason Terry and Finlay Herrick.
There is plenty of talent across the goalkeeping ranks then, especially with Nathan Trott and Kristian Hegyi also on loan.
“It is strong competition,” Knightbridge explained. “There’s a lot of top quality keepers from everywhere, but you have got to focus on yourself, keep working, and take your chances when they come along.
[Last year’s loan] was good to get a bit of both worlds. Training with the U21s and playing games in non-league as well. It was much more physical, so it was good to get both sides of football.
“I think to have the adaptability is really important. If the manager wants you play one way against one team and against another a different way, it's good to be able to do that.”
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s produced a resolute performance in their opening match of the Premier League International Cup, as they beat Valencia CF 1-0 at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
In an incredibly even contest on Tuesday evening, it looked as though the match was going to be heading to a stalemate, but Gideon Kodua produced a moment of real quality, firing the ball into the bottom corner late on to win the tie.
It saw the young Hammers record consecutive wins in all competitions, having beaten Sunderland four days earlier.
Opposition
It has been a bright start for Leeds United U21s, who have won their first two games of the Premier League 2 season.
Coached by Michael Skubala, an opening day win over Brighton & Hove Albion and then a victory over Manchester United – in both fixtures their opponents were reduced to ten men – has seen Leeds rise to fourth in the table, at the time of writing.
Last season, Leeds United finished second in Premier League 2 Division 2, level on points with leaders Southampton.
Tickets
Tickets are priced at £6 for adults, with concessions for £3.
You can buy tickets for this match HERE.
How to Follow
We will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
