West Ham United’s U18s will enter Saturday’s contest against Liverpool in a buoyant mood after picking their first points of the season in last weekend’s clash against Reading.
Winger Sean Adarkwa was crucial in the win over the Royals, playing all 90 minutes at Little Heath and is keen to continue his good form when the Reds visit east London.
The visitors, managed by former England and Liverpool skipper Steve Gerrard, are the Hammers’ opposition in their second Premier League Cup game of the season.
Steve Potts and Mark Phillips’ side were beaten 3-2 by Sunderland in the last fixture in the competition, but Adarkwa is confident his side can bounce back.
He said: “Even though we didn't play our best against Reading we got the result and I think it has helped us gain confidence to carry on winning.
“Everyone was disappointed when we lost to Sunderland but from the loss we are excited that we have the chance to redeem ourselves and try to get a good result against Liverpool.”
While Slaven Bilic’s first team also come up against the Reds, the U18s host the Merseysiders who were 3-0 winners over Maribor in the UEFA Youth League during midweek.
The Liverpool side also have a unique talent in their team in the shape of England hotshot and top-scorer from this year’s U17’s World Cup in India - Rhian Brewster and Adarkwa is wary of the challenge the Reds pose.
“I think Liverpool will look to switch the play a lot and try to exploit us in the wide areas,” he continued.
“I know they have good players so we will be in for a tough game.”
Adarkwa has been involved regularly for the U18s this campaign but the attacker is not satisfied just yet.
“For me the season is going alright not as good as I wanted it to be just yet.
“I've been left out the squad for some games and played and others, so it's been mixed.
“My aim is to be in the starting XI for the rest of the season and get an appearance for the U23s.”
West Ham’s U18s kick-off against Liverpool at 11am at Little Heath.