Albion Under-21s will host Arsenal in their penultimate Premier League 2 game on Monday evening (ko 6pm).
A win against the Gunners’ starlets for Richard Beale’s Baggies could put them in a promising position heading into their final match next Friday, as they look to try and secure a top 16 place before the end of the campaign.
Last time out
The 21s battled with high-flying Leicester City to claim a point from their recent PL2 encounter.
Some big saves from goalkeeper Ben Cisse, in addition to ones at the other end of the field to deny attacker Fenton Heard, meant the clash ended 0-0 at the Foxes’ training ground.
Venue
Beale’s academy hopefuls are set to play their final match of the 2024/25 campaign at Solihull Moors’ Damson Park stadium.
After a disappointing defeat against Queens Park Rangers during their previous game there in the PL Cup, the Baggies will be keen to right some wrongs with a big win against their North London opponents.
Pre-match thoughts
Matt Crowther has believes Monday’s match-up with Arsenal will be a “defining” moment in the PL2 team’s season.
Win, and they’re right in the mix for a top 16 finish which would secure them an invitation to compete in next season’s PL International Cup tournament - as well as qualifying for the end-of-season Play-Offs this time around.
Still, to do that Albion’s young charges must overcome one the country’s best academies in the form of the Gunners, who are in the top half of the league standings heading into Monday’s meeting - something Crowther believes only ups the motivation within the squad to perform.
“When we've been training in the build-up to this game, Richard Beale has been putting an emphasis on the fact we've got something to fight for in our last two games,” said Crowther.
“Obviously, academy football is about development, but to play against international opposition next season would just bring great experiences to the group.
“The fact that it's against Arsenal as well makes it an even bigger game and Monday night could be defining in our season.
“If we can win, then we're in a great position to push into the top 16, have a longer season, as well as trying to win a trophy which would be special for us as a group.”
A central midfielder, who only penned scholarship terms last summer, Matt is hoping to be involved after returning from injury recently - starting the last match against Leicester.
Hailing from Sunderland, the 17-year-old moved away from home for the first time this term to join his maiden professional club in the Baggies and, while a daunting prospect for any teenager, he seems to have embraced the challenge and enjoyed a very impressive campaign.
Having stepped up to play consistently under Beale in the 21s since the start of the campaign, the box-to-box midfielder has helped both the 18s and PL2 team reach the quarter-finals of different cup competitions, in addition to scoring at The Hawthorns in front of his family against Reading.
And he’s hoping to add one more achievement to his collection before the end of the campaign with a positive result against Arsenal.
Matt continued: “This season’s been quite overwhelming.
“The fact I came in so late compared with the rest of my group, and to get the opportunities I have to play in 21s from October to now is such a positive.
“I had a setback with my ankle which kept me out midway through the season, but for Bealey to trust me to go straight back into the starting XI was really beneficial.
“The lads have been such a help to me as well, just in and out of the club like on days off, keeping me around them so I'm not feeling homesick. It's been really good so far.
“The coaching staff have chucked me in at the deep end and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I've loved every opportunity and challenge that's come my way.
“I'll run for the side, do the, as we said, dog work for the team and then when I do get my chances on the ball to do something and create for the team, that's when I think I come to life.
“On Monday, we have to do the basics first, work harder than the other team and if we do those things, we’ll get the opportunities to do special things on the ball.
“I have to keep my feet on the ground because there’s still a long way to go, but deep down, I trust myself in these games - especially the big ones, so hopefully that shows against Arsenal.”
How to follow
Match tickets will be available for Monday's Premier League 2 game versus Arsenal.
They are priced at £5 adults, and £1 for Under-17s and 65+, while Albion season ticket holders are able to watch the game for free. Supporters are able to purchase tickets on the gate outside the Damson Homes Stand. Free parking at the stadium will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Please note, owing to unforeseen circumstances, the fixture will no longer be streamed.
The club apologises for any inconvenience caused.
