Preview | U21s host SL Benfica B in PLIC campaign opener | West ...

West Ham United U21s v SL Benfica B
Premier League International Cup, Chigwell Construction Stadium, Tuesday 24 September 2024, 7pm BST

West Ham United U21s kickstart their Premier League International Cup (PLIC) season against SL Benfica B at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Tuesday evening.

A 100 per cent start to their domestic campaign in Premier League 2 will have the young Hammers raring to go in the PLIC in what will undoubtedly be a tough test against a seasoned Benfica B side who ply their trade in the Portuguese second tier.

Tickets are available to buy on matchday at the turnstiles, priced at £5 for Adults and £1 for U18s.

West Ham United men’s Season Ticket Holders can attend the fixture for free, and just need to show proof of their Season Ticket at the turnstiles.

The most convenient way to reach Chigwell Construction Stadium is by public transport.

Dagenham East station on the London Underground's District line is situated about 500 metres from the ground. On exiting the station, turn left and the ground is in Victoria Road, which is the fifth turning on the left-hand side after about 400 metres. You will see the stadium at the end of the cul-de-sac.

For those travelling by bus, fans can take the route 103 from either Romford railway station which is served by Greater Anglia, TfL's Elizabeth line and London Overground, or Rainham station, which is served by c2c rail services. The 103 has stops on both sides of Rainham Road South, just north of Victoria Road.

Supporters using public transport are advised to check their journeys before they travel, using resources such as TfL’s Journey Planner and the TfL Go app. Supporters may also wish to visit the National Rail website if travelling on the rail network.

No parking is available at Chigwell Construction Stadium. Street parking in the local area is available, but motorists should take note of restrictions.

A live stream of the fixture will be available across the Club’s website, app, TikTok, and YouTube channel. A match report, highlights and reaction will also follow shortly after the full-time whistle.

First introduced in the 2014/15 season as part of a strategy to provide Premier League Academies with international experiences, the PLIC comprises of the 16 top finishers in the Premier League 2 and 16 invited international clubs.

Participating clubs are split into four groups of eight, with four PL2 and four invited international clubs occupying each group. Each side play four group-stage games, with every fixture featuring one PL2 team hosting an international opponent at their home ground. The top two of each group progress to the quarter-finals.

Another competition means another unique set of challenges for lead coach Mark Robson and his budding Hammers.

Four wins out of four in the Premier League 2 is sign for optimism, but Robson is well aware of the challenge posed by international opposition competing in senior league divisions in their own countries.

With two long away trips in the last seven days to Newport and Newcastle and a London derby against Chelsea to look forward to in PL2 on Friday, Robson will be eager to test some of the younger members of the squad.

He explained: “I’m hoping to give opportunities to some of our younger lads, as we’ve done in this competition in recent seasons.

“These matches are a great opportunity for them to step up and learn in a competitive environment. The physicality and quality of these international sides are something we need to be mindful of as a team.

“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.”

One of the most renowned academies in world football, SL Benfica B will be a formidable opponent. A key part of the club’s business model – proven by the hundreds of millions they have accrued from transfers in recent years– the Lisbon team’s academy based in Seixal, is the most profitable in the world.

As they gear up for their eighth participation in the PLIC, Benfica B have made a strong start to their domestic league campaign. An ever present in the Portuguese second tier since their inscription in 2012/13, when the league was temporarily expanded to 22 teams, Benfica B currently sit third in the Liga Portugal 2.

Their trip to Dagenham will be the first of four visits to England. After West Ham, Nélson Veríssimo’s men travel to Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Sunderland as part of their Group B schedule.

West Ham’s development side will be hoping to build on their best tournament run last season, reaching the semi-finals where they were narrowly defeated by defending champions PSV Eindhoven.

In preparation for this season’s tournament, the young Hammers faced Belgian opposition in Club NXT U23, Club Brugge’s development team. Despite being 4-0 down at half-time, a spirited second half comeback saw West Ham reduce the deficit to 4-3, providing valuable experience ahead of the PLIC campaign.