West Ham United U23 midfielder Joe Powell is confident his side will be a match for Arsenal when the sides contest a London derby on Friday in Premier League 2.
Terry Westley’s side take on the Gunners an hour earlier than first team’s match with Leicester City at London Stadium, at Borehamwood FC’s Meadow Park.
And after victories over both Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, as well as a draw with Chelsea, Powell believes the Hammers will be more than a handful for Arsenal.
He said: “Coming out of the the game on Tuesday [against Benfica], although we took a two-goal defeat, it didn’t quite feel like that because we were actually the better team having the young players out that we did.
“We go into Friday with a very positive attitude and knowing that we have done well in the league this season. We’ll look to get three points.
We've turned over the biggest teams in the league this season already. Nobody should be doubting us doing it again on Friday
Joe Powell
“We’ve shown that we can be a force against the big teams in this division and nobody should be doubting that we can do it again on Friday.”
Powell played at left-back in Tuesday’s Premier League International Cup fixture with Benfica, a position he has started in a number of times this season.
The natural winger has also found himself in central midfield and although he admitted attacking is his main focus, he is happy to play wherever the manager needs him.
“Everyone wants to play in their favoured position but sometimes you have a got to do a job and when you do it well, of course it can become very enjoyable as well,” he continued.
“I’ve played central midfield too, and that’s somewhere I like playing because I can get on the ball plenty and try to make this happen through the middle of the park.
“Left-back, you have to show a different side of your game, and as well getting forward and being positive you have to defend hard, stay switched on at all times and be strong on your opponent. I do enjoy it, but not quite as much as my preferred position!”