West Ham United U23s return to Premier League 2 action this weekend with a trip away to Liverpool.
The Hammers will take on the Reds at the Liverpool Academy on Sunday 17 April, with kick-off set for 2.00pm BST.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of our Easter Sunday contest…
The story so far
Defeat away to Blackburn Rovers in West Ham United U23s’ last Premier League 2 game has once again taken the opportunity to win the Division 1 title out of our side’s hands.
With league leaders Manchester City dropping points in three of their last four matches, the Hammers had the opportunity to complete a storybook come-back and climb above the Blues, providing they won their remaining league fixtures.
Victories over Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur had set the Hammers on their way to that unlikely feat, but a disappointing loss on the road to Rovers leaves the development side six points behind City.
The Hammers do have a game in hand on the table toppers but, with just three games left in our U23s’ league campaign, Mark Robson’s boys are relying on results elsewhere while also requiring a maximum return.
While a place in the Premier League Cup quarter-finals has been secured for next Friday, following a 5-1 win over Leeds United on Monday, attention now turns back to Premier League 2 action and the first of the final three league outing.
A win would guarantee West Ham a second-placed finish at the very least.
The opposition
Liverpool U23s come into Sunday’s fixture sat seventh in Premier League 2 Division 1 and are on a five-game unbeaten run in the league.
The Reds last suffered a loss away to Leeds United in early February and have seen picked up credible draws away to Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as demolishing Tottenham Hotspur 7-1 in March.
The Merseyside team may not be the division’s most prolific scorers, but central to their success has been a reliable and determined defence; one that has only conceded 36 goals in 23 Premier League 2 matches this campaign – the third-lowest in the competition. Only the Hammers (33) and league leaders Manchester City (31) have conceded fewer.
Centre-back pairing Billy Koumetio and Tom Clayton have been key to that record, featuring in 24 and 23 matches in all competitions respectively for the Reds at U23s level this season. Left-back James Norris has also been vital, scoring three goals from his defensive position.
Striker Max Woltman has also been a key cog in the Liverpool Academy side. The 18-year-old has played in all 25 of the U23s’ matches this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists, earning him his first team debut in December in a Champions League clash with AC Milan.
Jack Bearne, a 20-year-old winger, has also been in the goals with five scored and four assists, while midfielder Elijah Dixon-Donner has four goals in 13 matches.
The Liverpool U23s are coached by Barry Lewtas, who has been in the position since May 2020, having previously worked as a coach at Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers before working his way through the Liverpool youth age groups.
Last time out
An early November fixture saw the Hammers play host to the Reds at Rush Green Stadium where the Irons, then under the guidance of Dimitri Halajko, secured a 3-0 win.
It only took the development side 16 minutes to take the advantage as Sonny Perkins reacted quickest to drill home from six yards after Thierry Nevers’ shot ricocheted into his path.
Just minutes later, Nevers found his way onto the score-sheet as he unleashed an 18-yard effort which deflected past Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.
Nevers went close to doubling his tally, while Pierre Ekwah also saw a powerful effort saved, before Perkins secured his second – and West Ham’s third – nine minutes into the second half.
The forward charged deep into Liverpool’s final-third, where he unleashed a low, angled 18-yarder that flew beyond Pitaluga’s outstretched right-glove before nestling in the net via the base of the left-hand upright.
What they’re saying
Ajibola Alese: "We’ll need confidence against Liverpool on Sunday and games like the Leeds one are perfect to build that up.
“We know Liverpool will be a tough game. We’re excited for the challenge but we also know we’ve got the quality to get the win. We know they will be good but if we play our best, we can match them and beat them.”
How can I follow?
Sunday’s Premier League 2 match between West Ham United U23s and Liverpool will be played at Liverpool’s Academy.
Supporters will be able to follow the action with our live blog at whufc.com, which will begin an hour before kick-off, at 1.00pm BST on Sunday 17 April 2022.
Significant match updates will also be available via Twitter.
Full highlights and reaction from the lead coach and players will be available on whufc.com on Sunday evening and throughout Monday.
