The West Ham U23’s travel to the City Football Academy ground this Sunday and face top of the table Manchester City.
Although West Ham are four points below Man City who have 39 points, they have a game in hand and will do everything they can to close the small gap at the top. The Irons go into the match in not the best form by their high standards. They’ve been winless in their last three including two defeats to Manchester United and Leicester City 3-1 and 1-2.
Manchester City on the other hand have won their last five matches in a row which included beating Chelsea away and rivals Man United.
The West Ham squad realises the importance of this top of the table clash as Hammers captain Ajibola Alese said, “It goes without saying that this is a big game for us. We just want to do the best we can and use the occasion as motivation. If we beat them, we’re in a good position to go top of the league with our game in hand. We want to give the best account of ourselves and hopefully it will be a good day for us on Sunday”.
18-year-old striker Sonny Perkins has had a breakout season not only by debuting for the U23’s but also for the senior side. Perkins made his Premier League debut on January 16th, playing four minutes against Leeds United as well as starting against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League. His senior debut came playing 14 minutes against Rapid Vienna also in Europe.
The teenager has been key in attack scoring six goals in 13 appearances for the U23 side. West Ham will also be looking to Irish winger Armstrong Oko-Flex for goals as he has scored a whopping 12 in 16 appearances this season in the Premier League 2 and is banging on the door for a chance in the first-team.
Man City have talent of their own, forward James McAtee will be the player to look out for as he is the top scorer in the league with 16 goals, and four assists and has also featured in two Premier League games this season. Norwegian midfielder Oscar Bobb could cause West Ham problems as well on Sunday. The 18-year-old has been key in City’s success this season having scored six and added eight assists.
Man City’s U23 side will be a tough test for the Irons as Alese added, “We’re expecting a tough game, similar to the match we played against them at home earlier in the season. They’re a good team. They are well organised, and they have a lot of quality in the side. They can hurt you at any time”.