Albion Under-21s are aiming to reach the last four of the Premier League Cup when they host Queens Park Rangers on Monday night (ko 7pm).
It is the first time Richard Beale has led a group to this stage of the competition since 2022 - the same year which the club’s youngsters lifted the tournament trophy in.
They have an opportunity to get closer to that round when a young R’s side visit them, and they’ll be determined to make home advantage count under the lights.
Last time out
The PL2 team beat Cardiff City 5-4 on penalties (1-1 after 90 minutes) during their last encounter in the tournament.
Archie Kirton scored in the last minute of normal time to level proceedings at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium to send the match to extra time and penalties.
Second-year scholar Divine Onyemachi proceeded to net the decisive strike from 12 yards to secure the young Baggies’ passage through to the last eight.
Venue
A return to Solihull Moors’ Damson Park stadium awaits the young Baggies on Monday night.
Pre-match thoughts
Dynamic midfielder Harry Whitwell says “it would mean a lot” to the current 21s group if they were to reach the semi-finals of the PL Cup.
Throughout the group and knockout games this campaign, Professional Development Phase boss Beale has been motivating his team with video messages from players who lifted the prestigious cup under him in 2022.
People such as Tom Fellows and Caleb Taylor have been providing their thoughts, along with words of support and advice for what’s required to progress in these tense, one-off games.
Whitwell said: “Looking back on the group that won the PL Cup, we’ve all followed the journey they went on closely.
“We saw the great moments they had playing at stadiums, for example, and even the crowd in the final.
“We've heard messages from those boys; how they've kind of kicked on in their careers from that occasion, how much they've really cherished it, and we all agree that we want to recreate that so we get that kind of platform to build on for ourselves.
“Anything can happen in a cup game. You can't underestimate anyone, and just knowing it's a must-win game means you have to do anything you can to win.”
Oxford-born Whitwell has been boosted by the words of wisdom from those former Baggies academy players who he’s looked up to for their previous achievements in the tournament.
But the 19-year-old knows there’s only one way his young colleagues can show they’ve taken the words of advice onboard - by overcoming QPR in Solihull on Monday evening to keep their cup run going.
“Looking at the last league game against Man United, it was not at our usual level at all,” Harry continued.
“We really dropped off in the first half and we're a team who pride ourselves on being robust but, ultimately, we let five goals in.
“It was a a positive reaction in the second half, but there’s some important games coming up. If we drop below our standards again, then we're not going to win so we just have to make sure we're at the levels we set ourselves at the start of the season.
“We’re a team who brings energy to games and sometimes, our energy can bring home the wins for us. Alongside the energy, we've also got great technical players - so we can create that bit of magic.
“To play in any cup game is a bit different from the league because there's more riding on it.
“To test ourselves against a good side in QPR is something we're looking forward to and we're striving to make sure we're 100% for when we face them.
“I'm on eight goals, five assists, so it's been a good season and as an attacking-midfielder, a No.8 or No.10, adding goals and assists to your game is what catches people's eye.
"I said to myself at the start of the season that I needed to increase those numbers and I’m happy with them, but there's always more I can do.
“Every game we've got to try and impress, whether that be the first-team manager, scouts from clubs who might be interested in taking you on loan, it's all about showcasing you're ready for that next jump.
“It would mean a lot to everybody here if we were to get the win on Monday and if we can put in another good performance, then there's no reason why we can't because these situations are why we play football - to win games and fight for trophies too.”
How to follow
Match tickets will be available for Monday night’s Premier League Cup quarter-final clash with QPR.
They are priced at £4 adults, and £2 for Under-17s and 65+, with supporters 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.
As usual, free entry for season ticket holders is not available for any of this year's PL Cup matches.
Alternatively, WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.50pm.
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.
