Hammers U21 Side Take On Benfica B In PL International Cup ...

West Ham’s U21 side begin their PL International Cup campaign this evening as they take on Benfica’s B side at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

With an impressive four wins from four to start their league season, the young Hammers will be excited about tonight’s game in their PL International Cup opener. Benfica B will be far from an easy tie for the Hammers as they have experience and play their football in the Portuguese second tier.

U21’s lead coach Mark Robson is fully aware of the threat posed by coming up against international opponents who play their football in senior leagues within their respective countries.

Discussing the game against Benfica B, Robson discussed how he will be looking to give younger members of his squad a chance and how games like tonight can be a great chance for those players to step up against high level opposition.

“I’m hoping to give opportunities to some of our younger lads, as we’ve done in this competition in recent seasons.” said Robson, going on to add: “These matches are a great opportunity for them to step up and learn in a competitive environment. Benfica have started their league season strongly, and it will be a real test for our players to showcase what they’re capable of against a side used to playing at senior level.”

Benfica’s B side are one of the most well respected academies in world football as they have produced countless players who they have sold on for vast sums of money. Having played in the Portuguese second tier since 2012/13 their players are used to regularly coming up against professional sides.

The Hammers opponents have also made a great start to their league season currently sitting third in the Liga Portugal 2. Whilst it will be a tough test for the young Hammers, it certainly has all the makings of an entertaining encounter between the two sides at the Chigwell Construction Stadium later this evening.

For supporters who want to tune in to the match tonight, there will be a live stream of the game on the clubs website, mobile app, YouTube channel and their TikTok page. Post match, highlights, a match report and all match reaction will be available on the clubs website shortly after the full time whistle has been blown.