West Ham United U21s v Middlesbrough U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 27 October, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when Middlesbrough travel to east London.
The young Hammers seek to move nine games unbeaten in all competitions following a 2-2 draw with Manchester City last time out.
A tough test awaits in the U21s’ seventh league outing of the season against third-placed Middlesbrough, however.
Read on for our full preview below...
Potts: We expect a good game against Boro
Lead coach Steve Potts has challenged his side to continue their good start to the campaign.
In only the Hammers' second competitive match in October, Potts wants his side to maintain the high levels they have set so far.
He expects a solid performance against Middlesbrough, then.
“We’ve had a few weeks without a competitive game,” Potts stated. “But we put in three friendlies so that time didn’t drift by with just training.
“This year has been a real mix of opponents. We haven’t played Boro for a few seasons but they have started the season really well.
“I think Middlesbrough aren’t going to give us much. They have been really hard-working but they have quality going forwards because they have scored a lot of goals this year.
“It will be a real test both in and out of possession for us.”
Knightbridge: We must keep the momentum after good start
It has been quite the year for goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge, who has returned to Premier League 2 action following a loan with non-league outfit Harrow Borough last summer.
The young goalkeeper has started each of the Hammers’ league outings this season and has been in inspired form.
Against Southampton, he showed his quality between the sticks with a string of top saves, while at Manchester City the goalkeeper showed his ability with his feet. His crossfield pass set the Hammers’ second goal in motion.
As such, Knightbridge is adamant he can continue his own - and the team’s - run of form on Friday night.
"It has been good with some of the boys away on international duty for us to re-group," he explained.
"We have worked on a few things with the lads, to rest and to recover, and there's been opportunities to train with the first team too.
"Every game is an opportunity for three points but you have to careful when we play teams we haven’t faced before.
"Yes, it should be a good test, but I feel like it has been a great start to the year. On a personal level, I think I have been in some of the best form I've ever been in.
"I am hoping to carry that on through the next games and the next months, starting with Middlesbrough."
Last Time Out
A resolute showing from West Ham United U21s at Manchester City saw goals from Callum Marshall and Gideon Kodua secure a point.
The Hammers moved seventh in the Premier League 2 table, four points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur, with an impressive performance in the defending champions' backyard.
Opposition
It has been a bright start to the season for Middlesbrough, who sit third in the Premier League 2 table ahead of Friday’s fixtures.
The visitors are unbeaten so far, winning four of their first six games of 2023/24.
Middlesbrough seek a fifth straight win after taking three points from Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, and Stoke City across their last four matches.
Tickets
Tickets are available to buy from the turnstiles on Friday evening. U18s tickets are priced at £1, while Adult 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
We will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with a report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
