West Ham United U21s v AS Monaco U21s
Premier League International Cup, Chigwell Construction Stadium, Friday 3 February, 7pm
West Ham United U21s will look to end their involvement in the 2022/23 Premier League International Cup with a positive result and performance against AS Monaco.
The development team cannot mathematically qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition, having claimed three points from three Group B matches played so far, but will be eager to continue a recent good run of form.
Mark Robson's side have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, a run of form that has helped the Hammers pull out of the bottom two in the Premier League 2 Division 1 table.
With February including big league matches at home to Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, with a trip to Arsenal in the middle, this Friday's fixture is a chance for the Irons to continue their recent good showings.
Read on for all you need to know about the Premier League International Cup fixture...
Tickets…
West Ham United and Dagenham & Redbridge Season Ticket Holders will be able to attend Friday's fixture for free, with proof of season ticket ownership.
Adult tickets for the Premier League International Cup fixtures are available for just £5 while concessions can be purchased at just £1.
All tickets will be available through the Dagenham & Redbridge ticket office and can be purchased on the evening of the match.
Travel…
Fans attending Friday's fixture at Chigwell Construction Stadium should note that parking is extremely limited at the ground, and supporters are advised to make use of public transport.
If driving to the ground from the north, leave the M25 at Junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. At the end of the M11 continue onto the A406 towards Docklands (A13) and London City Airport. At the intersection with the A13, turn onto this road in the direction of the Dartford Crossing.
At the junction with the A1306, leave the A13 and join the A1306 towards Dagenham. At the third set of traffic lights turn left just before the McDonalds into Ballards Road. At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout. Turn left and proceed up Rainham Road passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road.
If driving to the ground from the south, leave the M25 at Junction 31 and take the A13 towards Central London. Exit the A13 onto the slip road, signposted Dagenham/Dagenham East. At the end of the slip road at the double roundabout turn right, then going under the A13. At the T-junction turn left onto the A1306. At the second set of lights turn right onto the B178.
At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout. Turn left and proceed up Rainham Road passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road.
If travelling by London Underground, take the District Line to Dagenham East. Turn left as you come out of the station and the ground is clearly sign posted and only five minute walk away.
How to Follow…
Match coverage from Friday's Premier League International Cup fixture will be available following full-time at whufc.com.
A match report and reaction from lead coach Mark Robson will be available, while full highlights from the fixture will be accessible on YouTube and the website on Saturday afternoon.
Further reaction from the squad will also follow across the weekend.
Team News…
With West Ham United U18s playing their FA Youth Cup fifth round tie away to Stoke City at the same time as this U21s game, lead coach Robson may opt to allow the younger members of his squad to link up with Kevin Keen's group.
The likes of Kaelan Casey, George Earthy and Regan Clayton have played in each of the FA Youth Cup fixtures so far this season but are also regulars in Premier League 2 for the development side.
Friday's match could provide an opportunity at a first start since returning from their respective loan spells for Dan Chesters and Armstrong Okoflex. Both have been involved from the bench since coming back to the Hammers from Colchester United and Swansea City, respectively, in January.
Opposition…
Like the Hammers, Monaco find themselves mathematically unable to qualify for the knock-out stages of this season's tournament.
Level on points and with a marginally better goal difference, the French side sit just one place above West Ham, having claimed their three points in a 2-0 win away to Manchester United back in November.
Monaco U21s are coached by Damien Perrinelle, a former French defender best known for his time with Boulogne in the mid 2000s.
Perrinelle's career also saw him represent Clermont Foot and New York Red Bulls, before he joined Monaco in a non-playing capacity in 2020. He was appointed the U21s lead coach last summer.
