West Ham United U18s’ 2023/24 FA Youth Cup campaign will begin with a third-round tie at home to Southampton.
The time, date and location of the U18s’ home tie with the Saints will be confirmed in due course but must be played by Saturday 16 December 2023.
Kevin Keen’s side are the reigning holders of the prestigious FA Youth Cup, having won the competition for a fourth time in West Ham’s history last campaign, and actually faced Southampton on their journey to success in last year's tournament.
Wins away to Sheffield United, Burnley, Stoke City and Ipswich Town were followed by a 6-1 semi-final home victory at London Stadium against the south-coast side in the competition last season.
The Irons then went on to secure the trophy with a 5-1 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
West Ham have also won the competition in 1963, 1981 and 1999.
Southampton, meanwhile, have not won the FA Youth Cup in their history, with their closest effort coming in the 2004/05 campaign; finishing runners-ups to victors Ipswich Town.
The Saints actually defeated the Hammers on their run to the final that season, beating a young West Ham side 4-1 in the quarter-finals with a team that contained the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana, Nathan Dyer and Leon Best.
