West Ham United U23s have been drawn away to Newcastle United in the next round of the Premier League Cup.
The young Hammers, who are looking to defend the title they lifted last year, will have to travel up North in the last 16 of the competition.
Strong Competition
This season has seen a change to the format of the competition, with the addition of a group stage at the beginning of the tournament instead of simply a knockout competition.
West Ham finished second in Group E behind Brighton, with ten points from six matches. Two wins against Nottingham Forest and one victory versus Leicester City was enough to secure qualification from the group. The Irons scored ten goals and conceded nine along the way.
Previous Meeting
Terry Westley’s side have already faced the Magpies this season in the league, coming out as 3-1 winners as they look to replicate that performance.
Newcastle host the claret and blue youngsters in the league next week at St James’ Park, which will provide a stern test for the side ahead of the key cup encounter.
Underdogs
Just one point separates the two sides in the Premier League 2 table, with Newcastle in 4th and West Ham in 5th.
Liverpool U23s are the favourites to win the Cup this campaign, but West Ham will be doing all they can to retain their crown whilst trying to finish in the play-offs.
