Albion Under-21s could extend their unbeaten run in Premier League youth competitions to eight matches when they host Newcastle United on Monday night (ko 7pm).
It’s been quite the run for the club’s young professionals, who bounced back from a rocky start to the campaign with some resilient and determined displays to create an admirable streak of positive results.
And following a winning performance last time around in the PL Cup, boss Richard Beale will be aiming for the same in the PL2 under the Monday night lights.
Last time out
The young Baggies’ last Premier League 2 match was a memorable one - a 5-0 triumph over Liverpool on Merseyside.
Reyes Cleary (2), Eseosa Sule (2) and Dauda Iddrisa netted to complete a comprehensive victory against the Reds.
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ showing from our #PL2 lads against Liverpool! 😮💨
Watch the full highlights from our youngsters' 5-0 win over the Reds here! 👇— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 20, 2025
Venue
Beale’s Baggies will be in action at Solihull Moors’ Damson Park stadium.
Pre-match thoughts
Finding the back of the net was something Souleyman Mandey did regularly during his loan spell at non-league Stourbridge, and he returns to Albion hoping to produce similar during the remainder of the campaign.
The towering Austrian youth international, who mainly operates in the middle of the park, has showed his scoring touch since returning to the 21s setup - bagging a brace against fifth-tier Sutton United in the National League Cup and, more recently, a goal in the PL Cup versus Fleetwood.
As with all young professionals, there are still parts of Mandey’s game which require focus and work. Those aspects, along with the fact this is the final year of his contract in B71, means every performance will be vital for his hopes of forging a career in the men’s game.
Still, with appearances at senior level away from The Hawthorns already to his name, the 19-year-old is confident of making his way in the game, and whether it’s as a starter or off the bench on Monday night, Souleyman is hoping to help Beale’s charges claim another win.
He said: “I’ll do anything to play for this team. Wherever the coach puts me, I'll play to help the team win games.
“I will do anything on the pitch and even off it to try and stay here. To do that, it's up to me to do what's needed to help the team win matches by scoring goals, or just making that last tackle.
“I’ve always been a character, love to smile. I got it from my mum. She laughs and smiles a lot and I like to make everyone smile. Even when we have ups and downs, I always try and lift the spirit of the group.
“I love the boss (Richard Beale). He is always giving us hope and is willing to help me and shows honesty. That's what I love about him - it's always honest. Even if it's brutal, I like it, I like the honesty.
“I take in everything he says because I've seen him win games, win trophies, and obviously he's the main man that's going help me progress in the future, so I always listen to him.
“For me now, I want to help the team, score more goals and fight for a new contract.
“That's what I have to do but I can’t let it be a worry in my head because if you worry too much, it might not sit right in your head, you may play the game differently and then you can lose focus and mistakes can happen. So, this situation drives me to work even harder in the gym and on the pitch.
“Going on loan to Stourbridge was a good experience. Playing against men is a lot different to 21s football. It toughened me up and I feel like it helped me a lot because it’s made me more physical and that’s something we need as young players.
“I was playing in the No.10 position there, so I was more offensive and I got more chances to score goals and then I just kept scoring and scoring, and even now when I’ve been playing further forward since being back at Albion, I’ve been scoring.
“Sometimes, players at this level don’t want to go on loan and I'm not quite sure why, but I feel like since I've been at Stourbridge, everyone's taking a second thought now and trying to go on loan.
“I feel like I've showed everyone why they need to play men's football. You could go up a level, down a few, but if you start low it will help you progress and keep rising up. That’s where I’m at now and how I hope to continue.”
How to follow
Match tickets will be available for Monday night’s Premier League 2 game versus Newcastle.
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.
Alternatively, WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.20pm.
Supporters can keep up-to-date with Monday's PL Cup match across the club’s social media channels, with half-time, full-time, and goal updates as they go in.
