West Ham United U21s v Sunderland U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 18 August 2023, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s will play their first home Premier League 2 fixture of the season when Sunderland visit Rush Green Stadium on Friday 18 August.
The Hammers, who tasted defeat to Arsenal in their season opener last week, will hope to find their form and their first three points of the campaign.
Before the loss in north London, the young Irons had won all of their final three pre-season fixtures, recording wins over Colchester United, Elche B, and Canvey Island.
Read on for all you need to know about Friday's fixture:
Appiah-Forson: Experienced players have to step up against Sunderland
It was a case of small margins for the development team as they fell to a defeat by Arsenal on opening day, although there is plenty of time to get their Premier League 2 season up and running.
Had those in Claret and Blue converted their chances it could have been a different outcome at Meadow Park as George Earthy, Callum Marshall, and Kaelan Casey all went close, before Keenan Appiah-Forson later chipped wide from close range.
For the latter, one of the more experienced players in the squad this term, the Hammers must learn their lessons ahead of the U21s’ first home game of the season on Friday.
The first objective is to finish in the top 16 and reach the latter stages of the newly formatted competition. A win over Sunderland would be the first step towards just that.
On his role in the squad this season, Appiah-Forson said: “I think the lads that have made the step up are doing well. I trained with them last season so I am used to them so we are just trying to get used to each other and that will come with training and playing more with each other.
“I will try and use my experience and help them. It is my fourth season with the U21s so hopefully, I can help them.”
Team News
Sean Moore could be set for a Premier League 2 debut and his first competitive minutes for West Ham, since signing from Cliftonville in July.
The quick and skilful winger scored during the Hammers’ win over Elche B in a pre-season fixture held in Murcia but was an unused substitute last time out.
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s fell to a 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in their Premier League 2 opener on Friday evening.
Myles Lewis-Kelly and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji struck either side of the hour to put Arsenal two goals ahead.
And while Keenan Appiah-Forson almost pulled one back with a delicate chip wide of the post five minutes from time, Arsenal would clinch victory with a third in stoppage time.
Amario Cozier-Duberry struck from close range to confirm a London derby defeat in our Premier League 2 opener.
Opposition
Sunderland finished ninth in Premier League 2 Division 2 last season, with five wins from their 20 league games but will play in the 26-team league for 2023/24 following the changes to the PL2 format.
Coached by Graeme Murty, who was appointed the Club’s new Head of Professional Development Phase in October 2022 and oversees the Club’s U21s as part of his role, the Black Cats opened their PL2 season with a win this time around.
A brace from Ellis Taylor saw Sunderland beat Norwich City 2-0 which means Murty’s side sit ninth in the PL2 table ahead of their trip to east London.
Tickets
Tickets are available to buy from the turnstiles on Friday evening. U18s are priced at £1, while Adults tickets cost £5.
How to Follow
A live blog will run on the Club's website, with report, highlights and reaction to follow on whufc.com shortly after the full-time whistle.
