Match Previews

Albion face West Ham United for place in semi-finals

Shannon Ruth's side in Premier League International Cup action on Friday night.

By Bruce Talbot • 23 February 2024

By Paul Hazlewood
Shannon Ruth's under-21s have won all four games in the Premier League International Cup this season.

Albion will be looking to reach the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup for the first time on Friday when we take on fellow PL2 side West Ham United at the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground (7pm).

It’s a second game in four days for Shannon Ruth’s side, who slipped to a 4-3 defeat in Monday’s PL2 match at Stoke City after conceding a 90th-minute winner.

Albion reached the knockout stages with a 100% record from four group-stage games, beating Valencia, Glasgow Celtic, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb.

But head coach Shannon Ruth knows that a Hammers’ team currently second in PL2 and who have only lost twice in the league will be tough opponents.

“We’re looking forward to the game and the chance to reach a semi-final, having come through a tough group and met the challenge of playing sides with different styles from other countries," he said.

By Paul Hazlewood
Caylan Vickers will be hoping to get another opportunity to impress on Friday at West Ham.

“West Ham have had a really good season and are second in PL2 so we know it will be difficult for us, but it's a game we’re looking forward to.

“Two-game weeks are always a challenge. At Stoke City on Monday we saw Kamarai Doyle make his debut and Caylan Vickers and Josh Robertson, who also joined us in January, get more minutes.

“They all impressed and have put themselves in contention for West Ham. The squad will be strong and competitive and we’re looking forward to giving a good account of ourselves and hopefully progressing.”

Striker Mark O'Mahony will be hoping to add to his four goals in the tournament to date.

PSV Eindhoven have already reached the last four following a 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The other quarter-finals are Crystal Palace v Wolves and Everton v Fulham.