3/1 To Win
The London Stadium awaits Derby County’s Under-23s this evening when they travel to the Capital to take on West Ham United.
The Rams face the Hammers looking to build on their run of three wins from their last four Premier League 2 Division 1 outings (kick-off: 7pm) and here, dcfc.co.uk has pulled together all the information you are going to need to know ahead of kick-off…
WHAT’S THE LATEST TEAM NEWS
Offrande Zanzala is available for selection following the conclusion of his one-month loan spell with Vanarama National League.
The 21-year-old forward made four appearances during his brief stay at the Deva Stadium, but now links back up with the Rams ahead of their trip to the London Stadium.
Darren Wassall will also have Alex Babos to call upon once again too.
The 19-year-old midfielder received his first call-up to the Wales Under-21s during the recent international break, but after missing the Nottingham Forest match, he’s back in contention.
That aside, Derby’s Under-23s will travel with a near fully fit squad - Kyle McAllister, however, remains a long-term absentee.
SETTING THE SCENE
After competing in two different competitions in their last two outings, Derby County’s Under-23s will turn their focus back to their Premier League 2 Division 1 campaign when they take on West Ham United.
Whilst they travel looking for a return to winning ways, the Rams do still travel in fine fettle having won six of their last eight matches in total.
That said, West Ham also come into this game off the back of a good run of form.
The Hammers are unbeaten in four, of which they have won three, and currently sit fourth in Division 1 following their promotion via the play-off last term.
Looking ahead to the game, Darren Wassall said: “Everybody is understanding the need to create as close to a first team atmosphere as possible for these Under-23s games.
“A couple of years ago, we hardly had any games held at stadiums and now we are seeing a lot of our games are being played at the main stadiums of clubs.
“We have been to the Liberty Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford last year and now we’re off to the London Stadium.
“It’s a terrific venue and a great opportunity for our young players to be tested against a good West Ham side.
“I remember playing them in Division 2 a couple of years back and we quickly learned that they are very competitive and very athletic.
“West Ham have a great tradition when it comes to developing their young players. Particularly because they are at home, we know what to expect.
“They are going to be right in our faces and I can’t preach enough that we not only stand up to that, but we have to do that to them right from the off.”
Read Darren Wassall’s and Max Lowe’s full pre-match interviews now on dcfc.co.uk.
HOW CAN I ATTEND?
Derby County supporters wishing to travel to the London Stadium will be able to purchase their ticket on the day of the game.
There will not be a specific away supporter section for this fixture and ticket prices for this Premier League 2 Division 1 match have been confirmed as follows:
£5 Adult
£3 Concession
Follow @dcfctickets for more information on the day of the game about securing your seat.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME
WEST HAM UNITED U21s 3-2 DERBY COUNTY U21s
Monday 23rd November 2015
Derby County Under 21s’ six-game unbeaten league run came to an end following a 3-2 defeat to West Ham United just under two years ago now.
Elliot Lee opened the scoring from the penalty spot early on, before Josh Cullen doubled the advantage in a strong first half showing from Terry Westley’s side.
Callum Guy halved the deficit with a firm strike from the edge of the area, but Lee added his second of the evening with a header across Kelle Roos.
Darren Wassall’s side pressed relentlessly to get back into the game and Ivan Calero struck to make it 3-2, but the Rams could not find an elusive equaliser in an exciting match at the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground.
West Ham United U21s: Spiegel, Knoyle, Page, Makasi, Chambers (Onariase, 71), Oxford (Pike, 46), Parfitt-Williams, Cullen, Lee, Browne, Hendrie (Nasha, 84)
Substitutes not used: Brown, Brown (GK)
Derby County U21s: Roos, Santos, Cover, Buxton, Ssewankambo; Hanson (Elsnik, 90), Guy, Calero, Vernam (Bunjaku, 64); Zanzala, Bennett (McDonald, 84)
Substitutes not used: Mackay, Stabana
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
