Norwich City Under-23s host League leaders West Ham United at Lotus Training Centre this Friday (7pm KO) in Premier League 2 Division 2.
A win would take City to eight points in the league table, closing the gap between them and teams like Fulham, Newcastle and Reading.
West Ham have been in near perfect form this season, yet to lose a game. In fact, the Hammers are the only team to be undefeated so far this season, sitting on 22 points in the table. Most recently, West Ham beat 3rd place Stoke City an impressive 4-0, providing them their second loss of the season.
The Canaries last met West Ham back in January of the 2016-2017 season, a game in which the London side sealed a 2-1 victory over the Canaries.
West Ham are a difficult side to play against, both defending against and attacking the Hammers has proven difficult for fellow Premier League 2 teams. The Hammers have the highest amount of goals scored in the league with 24, whilst having the 2nd best defensive record, conceding just eight goals so far this season. Anthony Scully has been West Ham’s man on fire this season, scoring eight goals in seven appearances for the club.
U23s winger Josh Martin (pictured) is looking forward to the game coming up, saying that he thinks the U23s outplay most teams even in unfavoured results, and thinks the side can provide West Ham their first loss this season.
“I’m feeling optimistic, I’m really excited to play in it, despite the disappointing result in the last game. I know West Ham are top the league, but we have a good group of players with us.
“It’s weird, we normally go into these games and play better than the other team, but we don’t score. We’ve been doing a lot in training, working hard. We’ll be ready for the game. I’m looking forward to it, I think we can win.
“I think we can be that first loss for them, 100%. Every single team we play against, in relation to possession and the way we played, we’ve won. The score doesn’t show but we’ve played better. We just need to score, which is easier said than done, but as an attacker myself, I give everything to this team to win and score goals."
You can follow all the action of the game on our dedicated Academy Twitter account.
Please be aware that a minute's silence will be held prior to kick-off at the Lotus Training Centre in memory of City legend Duncan Forbes, who passed away on Wednesday evening.