U18 Preview: Saints vs West Ham
Southampton’s Under-18s return to Under-18 Premier League action on Saturday as they host West Ham United at Staplewood Campus.
Saints vs West Ham United
U18s Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Saturday 27th January, 12:00 GMT
Saints fired themselves into the FA Youth Cup fifth round for the first time in six years in their last outing with a dominant 4-1 win over Aston Villa ten days ago.
A brace each for Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Tyler Dibling ensured a safe passage in style at Villa Park.
Back in league action, an upturn of form before the winter break sees Saints enter this weekend's fixture in 10th place in the league.
The young Hammers are enjoying a very successful season, as they are unbeaten at the top of the table and are yet to drop a single point with 12 wins from 12 games.
In their last outing, Kevin Keen's side progressed in the FA Youth Cup with a 1-0 win on the road against Burnley.
Their return to action after the winter break has also seen them record impressive wins over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace; 5-2 and 4-0 respectively.
When the two sides met earlier this season, the Hammers were 4-1 winners despite Will Merry's earlier opener.
Last season, however, Saints were unbeaten against West Ham with a goalless draw and a 3-1 victory with Tyler Dibling, Jem Hewlett, and Dom Ballard on target back in August 2021.