West Ham United’s under-21s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when Middlesbrough travel to east London.
The young Hammers will go nine games unbeaten in all competitions after a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last time out.
However, in the seventh match of the under-21 league they will face third-placed Middlesbrough.
Head coach Steve Potts challenged his team to continue its strong start to the season.
In the Hammers’ second competitive game in October, Potts wants his team to meet the highest criteria they’ve set so far.
Expect a strong performance against Middlesbrough.
“We’ve had a couple of weeks without any competitive games,” Potts said. “But we organized 3 friendlies so that time is not exhausted just with training.
“This year there is a real group of rivals. We haven’t played Boro for a few seasons, but they started the season very well.
“I don’t think Middlesbrough will pass by to give us much. They’ve worked really hard but they’ve got the quality to go through because they’ve made a lot of passes this year.
“It’s going to be a real control for us, with possession. “
It’s been a year for goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge, who returned to Premier League 2 after a loan spell with non-league side Harrow Borough last summer.
The young goalkeeper has started every single league game for the Hammers this season and has been in high spirits.
Against Southampton he showed his quality between the sticks with a series of top-level saves, while against Manchester City the goalkeeper showed his ability with his feet. His cross-field pass led to the Hammers’ second goal.
As such, Knightbridge is convinced he can continue his own (and the team’s) form on Friday night.
“It allowed us to regroup with some of the guys on missions,” he explained.
“We’ve been working on some things with the guys, to rest and recover, and there have been opportunities to train with the first team.
“Every game is an opportunity to get 3 points, but you have to be careful when you’re playing in groups that have never been played before.
“Yes, it will be a good test, but I feel like it’s been a good start to the year. On a personal level, I think I’ve been in one of the most productive ways I’ve ever been. “
A determined performance from West Ham United’s under-21s at Manchester City ensured Callum Marshall and Gideon Kodua secured a point.
It’s been a smart start to the season for Middlesbrough, who sit third in the Premier League 2 table ahead of Friday’s matches.
They are undefeated so far, winning 4 of their first six matches of 2023/24.
Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles on Friday evenings. Tickets for under-18s cost £1, while adult tickets charge £5.
We will have a live blog on the club’s website, with a report, reactions and highlights that we will follow a while after the final whistle.
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