West Ham United welcome Arsenal to Little Heath in their latest FA Premier Academy League fixture on Saturday, with kick-off at 11am.
The Hammers will be eager to return to winning ways after seeing their perfect start to 2012 ended by a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Nick Haycock's side had begun the New Year by chalking up three consecutive wins, scoring league victories at Chelsea (3-2) and at home to Norwich City (6-1) and an FA Youth Cup fourth-round success against Brighton and Hove Albion (4-1) at the Boleyn Ground.
The Under-18s will be eager to shine with an FA Youth Cup fifth-round trip to Chelsea to look forward to on Wednesday 15 February and Haycock is expecting a big performance from his players.
"The mood in the camp is good," he said. "We play Arsenal on Saturday, Southampton the week after and then it's Chelsea in the Youth Cup so there' s a lot to play for. We're always looking for improved, consistent performances from the lads that make the starting XI. It'll be a tough game against Arsenal, who are in a good vein of form and are unbeaten this year. With the money they invest they have they are always a strong side to face."
While the likes of Dan Potts and Rob Hall will miss the game to prepare for Tuesday's npower Championship fixture at Ipswich Town, Haycock still has a host of promising players to call upon this weekend.
Among those to have caught the eye in recent weeks has been Pelly Ruddock - a powerful presence in the heart of the midfield. Haycock has been pleased with the impact made by the teenager since his arrival from non-league football late last year. While Ruddock has impressed, the U18s coach expects every one of his players to perform against the Gunners.
"Pelly Ruddock has been brought in from Boreham Wood. The attitude and desire he has shown in the game so far have been testament to Boreham Wood and the level that he's come from. We've had him in and around the development squad with Ian Hendon and when he's performed for the youth team he's always been one of the strongest performers in there.
"But without bringing out individuals, aside from a poor first half against Crystal Palace the games since the new year, the consistency of the players has been pleasing, hence the results and we're pleased with Dan Potts and Rob Hall's progress in and around the first team."
Saturday's fixture will kick-off at Little Heath at 11am. Admission and parking are both free.