Favour Fawunmi is excited for a big few days for West Ham United U18s.
The young Hammers welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to east London on Saturday knowing that a point will secure the U18 Premier League South title, after an exceptional league campaign so far.
Awaiting the Irons next Thursday is also the small matter of the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Southampton, at London Stadium, but Fawunmi says all focus is purely on the challenge Brighton will pose this weekend.
“It’s a big game for us,” Fawunmi told whufc.com. “It’s the one we’ve been waiting for. We knew that, with the form we’ve been on, a game like this would be coming up for us.
“Our focus has been fully on Brighton. We’ve been training hard and we’re prepared for what will be a tough game.”
There had been a chance top spot in the U18 Premier League South could be mathematically secured prior to Saturday’s fixture if results went to plan elsewhere, but Fawunmi admitted the U18s preferred having the opportunity to win the league in their own hands.
“It’s more special that it’s in our own hands,” he continued. “It feels like the responsibility is on us and it’s better that way. It will come down to our result, rather than results elsewhere, and we then get to do it at Little Heath as well.
“Little Heath has been massive for us this year. We’ve picked up a lot of points at home, so we’re glad we get that opportunity.”
As the teenager pointed out, West Ham have been superb at their home ground, scoring seven wins and 21 points out of a possible 24. With three of their outstanding four fixtures also to be played in east London, there is chance to increase that tally significantly, too.
While Kevin Keen’s side are preparing for an intense period, Fawunmi indicated that the side will follow their usual training protocols.
“There isn’t any stress or tension in the boys. Everyone is relaxed and ready to go, which is good. We know it’s a big few days but everyone is feeling positive.
“We’ve seen it in training this week. The levels have been absolutely unreal and we’re looking forward to showing it on Saturday.”
