Academy

Preview: U21s continue PL2 campaign against Nottingham Forest

30th November 2023

West Ham United U21s v Nottingham Forest
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 1 December, 7pm GMT

West Ham United U21s will continue their Premier League 2 campaign by hosting Nottingham Forest on Friday.

The young Hammers battled to a 1-1 draw against French opponents Olympique Lyonnais in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday evening, and are currently second in the Premier League 2 table after fine start to the 2023/24 campaign that has seen Steve Potts' side win five and lose just one of their opening eight matches.

Read our full preview below:

How to watch the game?

Friday's match will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel, starting around five minutes before the 7pm kick-off.

You can also find the stream on the Official website.

Potts pleased with the challenge of a busy fixture list

Only three days before their Premier League 2 clash against Nottingham Forest, the young Hammers were giving it their all against Lyon at Chigwell Construction Stadium.

A tough battle and a last-minute equaliser brought a 1-1 draw in Dagenham, but now the challenge is to go again three nights later against the 12th-placed Reds.

For Steve Potts, a congested fixture list is important for the U21s. They must focus on their recovery, their fitness, and their preparation as the schedule mirrors that of the professional leagues.

"Forest have seen some good results, so it won’t be easy," he said. "But that’s the beauty of this schedule is that you move quickly onto the next one.

"We want that realism for the boys [of having to play matches in quick succession]. That is what they are having to do – and it feels a bit like a lower league schedule in mirroring the Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Tuesday schedule.

“That is what they have got to get used to, and so we go again on Friday!”

Laing: I learn a lot from Potts’ experience

Levi Laing was impressive once again against Lyon, and in particular, showcased his quality in 1v1 situations.

Old-school defending is what the young Hammer prides himself on – and arguably there is no one better to learn his trade from than Steve Potts, who made 506 appearances in an illustrious playing career in east London.

“Steve gives me so many pointers,” he explains. “On my body shape when defending, how to be on my toes, and react quicker.

“He made so many appearances for West Ham, so it is good to be able to soak up all that knowledge and everything he gives us as defenders. It’s great to be able to take that into my game.”

It is clear that Laing has been a crucial part of the Hammers’ bright start to the season but is focus is on what comes next.

He is adamant his side can keep this impressive run going next time out and wants to play his part.

Laing added: “I am in a really positive head space, but I've got to keep working hard and keep showing everyone what I can do.

“The team is doing really well and there is a really close bond on and off the pitch. We are winning a lot of games but hopefully, I can keep working hard and we can keep this run going.

“We just need to make sure we are ready to go again against Forest on Friday. The boys need to be on top of their recovery and go back to training hard.

“We are flying but we can’t get complacent. We’ve got to keep going.”

Last Time Out

West Ham United U21s drew 1-1 with Olympique Lyonnais to remain top of Premier League International Cup Group B. George Earthy netted a stunning late equaliser in added time on Tuesday evening.

That result put the Hammers top of Group B, with seven points from three matches, ahead of Lyon on goal difference and a point ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Irons will complete their group-stage fixtures with the visit of Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia to Chigwell Construction Stadium on Friday 19 January at 7pm.

Opposition

Nottingham Forest have recorded two wins in Premier League 2 this season over Newcastle United and Crystal Palace and sit 12th in the table.

Their league matches have often been close affairs, with four draws recorded, 13 goals scored, and eleven goals conceded in seven matches.

Away from PL2, Forest recently beat EFL League Two side Accrington Stanley and EFL League One outfit Carlisle United to reach the last 32 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.