Crystal Palace U21s v West Ham United U21s
Premier League 2, VBS Stadium, Monday 18 December 2023, 7pm GMT
West Ham United U21s will seek to end 2023 in style as they head to Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The young Hammers are currently unbeaten in their last 15 fixtures and sit second in the Premier League 2 table.
Read on for our full preview below...
Forbes targets a year-ending win!
Michael Forbes wants the Hammers to finish 2023 on a high.
On Monday, there is a chance to move unbeaten in 16 games if the U21s avoid defeat at Crystal Palace and the Northern Ireland international is as focused as ever.
“It has been an unbelievable start to the season for the U21s,” the skipper stated. “Since the first game at Arsenal, we have been on a great run. The results we have had and the wins we have had been really impressive.
“When I was a second-year scholar, a lot of the rest of the current U21s team were first-year scholars. We got on like a house on fire and it has been unbelievable to carry it on this season.”
Forbes is of course leading the way with the armband. The young Hammer made his senior Northern Ireland debut over the international break – and is using his experience across Club and country to help the younger players in this U21s group.
He added: “Any time I am on the pitch I love taking on the role and responsibility of skipper and leading by example.
“I feel like that is a really strong part of my game – I think I have a good strength there and I want to keep building on it this season.”
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s reached the last 16 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy for the first time in the Club’s history last month.
A stunning 4-0 win over Colchester United in the round of 32 saw the young Hammers record their fourth win of the competition and also stretch an unbeaten run to 15 games.
Tickets
Tickets for the fixture can be purchased here.
Opposition
Crystal Palace have taken four wins from their first nine Premier League 2 games this campaign.
Coached by Darren Powell, the young Eagles drew 3-3 with West Ham in this fixture last season and will look for a positive result once more this term.
Players to watch include Ademola Ola-Adebomi, who is the third top scorer in PL2 in 2023/24 and was named PL2 Player of the Month for November.
How To Follow
We will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with a report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
