West Ham United U21s v Southampton
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 22 September, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s continue their 2023/24 Premier League 2 campaign when they host Southampton on Friday evening.
The young Hammers have recorded six wins on the bounce in all competitions with a win over EFL League One outfit Bristol Rovers last time out, but know a stern test awaits against the traveling Saints.
Read on for our preview below:
Watch the live stream
A live stream of the game will be available on Friday evening. You can watch the game for free on the Club’s YouTube channel and TikTok.
Potts wants Hammers to end the busy week on a high
The EFL Trophy means that West Ham United U21s must deal with the challenge of a busy fixture list against the Saints on Friday.
But it is a case of so far so good, though. A win last Friday over Celtic – by five goals – was followed by a stunning comeback against Bristol Rovers, although the task is to continue that run.
The Hammers must stay focused to extend the winning run to seven matches, according to Steve Potts.
Potts stated: “The beauty of having the EFL Trophy game midweek is that it gives us a three-game week.
“And if you are going to go on to play for our first team or go out on loan you need to get used to that and handle that.
“That is the other test. They have got to recover after two matches in quick succession and get ready for a tough game on Friday.
“They have to try and go again against Southampton.”
Kodua enjoying the winning momentum and ready to attack Saints
It is a happy group at the moment but Gideon Kodua is adamant the Hammers must keep their focus high, as they embark on their third game of a taxing week.
The talented forward takes on a Southampton side - a group with players who featured against Kodua and company in last season’s FA Youth Cup semi-final at London Stadium.
“We are just trying to not get complacent in any way possible,” Kodua added. “It is a big game for all of us against Southampton and we just had to get going.
“It will be a big test for us. The fixture list is challenging but it is just like what it would be like with the first team. The body is getting used to it and I have enjoyed it and it is getting easier the more we go on.”
Heading into a second international break of the season, the Irons face Southampton, before a trip to Manchester City eight days later.
Kodua is confident he and the rest of the U21s can keep the winning momentum going in two ‘massive’ games.
He added: “Both games will be different but both will be challenging. We know how City play and Southampton will be a different - but still a tough - test. The way they attack can cause you problems but I trust our defence to get us over the line.
“I have got to keep performing and impressing and not lose my shirt. It is easier when you are scoring and assisting because it gives you the confidence to play more freely.”
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s produced a stunning comeback to beat EFL League One outfit Bristol Rovers 3-1 in the EFL Trophy and record a sixth straight win in all competitions on Tuesday evening.
George Earthy alongside a Callum Marshall brace saw the Hammers to a sixth straight win in all competitions and puts the U21s top of EFL Trophy Group H.
Opposition
So far, Southampton have one won of their first four game in PL2 this season.
The Saints battled to a 4-2 win over Aston Villa, but have fallen to defeat by Liverpool, Norwich City, and Fulham in 2023/24.
Friday’s visitors have seen an average of six goals scored in their four games this season. Expect the meeting to be an exciting one, then!
Tickets
Tickets are available to buy from the turnstiles on Friday evening. U18s are priced at £1, while Adults tickets cost £5.
West Ham United season-ticket holders can attend the fixture for free and just need to show proof of ownership at turnstiles.
How to follow
Aside from the live stream on YouTube and TikTok, we will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
