Albion Under-21s play their penultimate National League Cup match against Braintree Town on Tuesday night (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies head into their third tournament match off the back of three defeats in the competition, but important exposure against senior professionals under their belts as they prepare for the first-team stage themselves.
Across all competitions, the club's PL2 team are currently on a three-game unbeaten run.
Last time out
Despite taking the lead in their previous match against fifth-tier opposition, Leigh Downing's Baggies were defeated 3-1 by Boreham Wood.
Forward Torin Ntege bagged his first Albion goal since joining the club in the summer during the NL Cup match.
Anticipation and then the finish from Torin Ntege! 🎯
See the highlights from our U21s' match against @NL_Enterprise side Boreham Wood on Tuesday night. 🎥— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) September 10, 2025
Venue
The Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium will be the arena for the club's academy hopefuls on Tuesday evening.
Pre-match thoughts
Lively attacker Jaiden Francis-Caesar says the step up to 21s football has come sooner than expected, but believes his recent involvement under boss Downing has allowed him to "prove himself" at a higher level.
He's certainly exhibited his capability playing in the PL2 team already this term, producing energetic displays against Leeds United and Juventus to name just a couple of the opponents the under-18 forward has excelled against.
Francis-Caesar's attributes have caused numerous problems for young defenders in the Premier League youth setup, with his lightning pace and pestering nature making him a headache for opposing backlines.
However, the 17-year-old is motivated by what will be a new challenge when he competes in the NL Cup at Braintree, where he hopes to use his pace and persistence to find his first goal in the PL2 team while fighting to try and secure the club's first triumph in the tournament.
“It’s really pleasing to be in and around the Under-21s,” said Francis-Caesar.
“I knew at some point I’d be in the group, so I’m glad it’s come early into the season as it’s allowed me to prove myself and show everyone what I can do.
“My pace is a big part of my game. It allows me to run in behind and get on the ball before defenders high up the pitch.
“I feel that first goal for me is coming, so I’m hoping in the next couple of games that hard work pays off in front of goal.
“Getting experiences playing people older than me will be beneficial as it will help me see if I’m up to the level that the professionals play at in the National League Cup.
“The level obviously goes up more against these players, but that’s good because it let’s me see if my standards are high enough to deliver against these types of opposition.
“It will be really good for me to play in this competition because I’m still, technically, an U18s player and if I can contribute to goals against these teams we play, then it would put me in the spotlight and show people what I’m all about.”
How to follow
Tuesday's National League Cup group match between the Baggies and Braintree Town will be streamed live from the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium.
Supporters will need a YouTube account to watch along, with the feed available from 15 minutes before kick-off (6.45pm) here.
Click on the ‘live’ section and select Albion’s fixture to view. Updates will also be posted across the club’s social media channels throughout the match.
