Newport County continue their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign when they welcome West Ham United U21s to Rodney Parade this evening (7pm).
The Exiles host the Premier League 2 side looking to return to winning ways following a heavy away defeat to Swindon Town on Saturday.
County are winless in their trophy campaign so far this season, having lost 2-1 to Cheltenham Town in the opening game, but Nelson Jardim’s men will be keen to put points on the board in group H tonight.
Pre-match thoughts
Speaking after Saturday’s defeat at the County Ground, Jardim said: “I have to assess everything, we have to make sure we have a strong squad for the game, ready to compete first of all,” when asked about team selection.
“Everything is built on running, competing, tackling and desire. If you don’t show that aggression then things are difficult.
“We will take every game as it comes and have to make sure we address whatever we need to, then turn up strongly on Tuesday to win the game.”
Opposition form
Under the guidance of former Iron’s star Mark Robson, the young Hammers have made a positive start to their 2024-25 campaign.
Despite a narrow 3-1 defeat to Reading in the opening Bristol street Motors Trophy group game, the Hammers have made an impressive start to their Premier League 2 season, winning all three of their opening games.
A key player for tonight’s opponents is Luizão. The young defender came through the legendary São Paulo youth system which produced iconic players such as Kaka, Cafu and Casemiro.
After making 20 appearances and registering one goal for Sao Paulo’s first team, West Ham signed the defensive prospect on a free transfer.
While he has yet to make his first-team debut for the Irons, Luizão has become a key figure in Irons' under-21 squad.
Last time out
The last time the two sides faced it each other was coincidentally in last season’s Bristol Street Motors trophy campaign.
Despite a spirited Exiles performance at Rodney Parade, Gideon Kodua’s brilliant second half strike was enough to give the Hammers all three points in South Wales and seal passage through into the knock-out stages of the competition.
Throughout the years, both the Hammers and the Exiles have faced off in the EFL Trophy - now known as the Carabao Cup.