Manchester City U21s v West Ham United U21s
Premier League 2, City Academy Stadium, Saturday 3 September, 2pm
West Ham United U21s return to Premier League 2 Division 1 action with a visit to reigning champions Manchester City.
This weekend’s U21s fixture puts last season’s first-placed side against second place, although the Hammers are yet to hit the heights of last campaign after a tricky start to the 2022/23 season.
Mark Robson’s side did enjoy a well-deserved 1-0 win away to EFL League Two side Walsall in the Papa Johns Trophy on Tuesday, and will be looking to bring the confidence from such a result into Saturday’s game.
West Ham United U21s’ visit to the Academy Stadium kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 3 September.
Tickets…
Tickets to watch our U21s take on Manchester City this weekend can be purchased through the host club.
Adults can attend the fixture for just £3 while all concessions can be purchased at just £1.
Follow the link here for ticket information from Manchester City.
Travel…
The nearest train station to the City Academy Stadium is the Manchester Piccadilly Station – a short taxi journey or a 30-minute walk along a well-lit and signposted route from the city centre.
A Metrolink runs from the city centre including Manchester Piccadilly station to the Velopark stop and on towards Ashton. The journey time from Piccadilly Station takes approximately 12 minutes.
Supporters are advised that no parking is available at the City Academy Stadium while a local resident parking scheme is in place, and is strictly enforced and identifiable through on-street signs. Vehicles parked in this area without the appropriate identification are at risk of being fined, claimed or even removed.
How to follow…
West Ham United U21s’ Premier League 2 fixture at Manchester City will unfortunately not be live-streamed on Saturday.
However, full coverage of the match can be found in our live blog from 1pm on Saturday at whufc.com.
Full highlights from the game, as well as reaction from lead coach Mark Robson and the squad, will be available on YouTube and whufc.com on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Team news…
Mark Robson may be persuaded to keep faith with the majority of the starting XI who claimed victory for the development side away to Walsall in mid-week.
The team came through the fixture without any notable setbacks or injuries, but Divin Mubama will start a three-game league suspension after his red card against Everton last weekend.
Armstrong Okoflex, Manny Longelo, Dan Chesters and Mipo Odubeko have all headed out on loan into the EFL in the past week after featuring for the U21s so far this season.
Opposition…
It has been a mixed start to the 2022/23 season for Manchester City.
Highly impressive wins against Liverpool and Leicester City have been followed by draws at home to Tottenham Hotspur and away to Chelsea. The Blues are still unbeaten, but will have higher standards for themselves after last campaign’s achievements.
City claimed the Premier League 2 Division 1 title last season, claiming 54 points and losing just four league matches all campaign. The Manchester club finished six points clear of the Hammers in second-place, after a strongly contested campaign by the east London side.
A young City side has seen stand-out efforts from winger Adedire Mebude so far this campaign, with the 18-year-old scoring three goals in five outings this season. Fellow forward Carlos Borges has two goals and two assists, while Oscar Bobb has provided four assists.
City’s U21s, known as the elite development squad, is coached by former Rochdale manager Brian Barry-Murphy. The Irishman held his role for two years, before departing in June 2021.
