Albion Under-21s will look to add to their Premier League Cup points total when they welcome Brentford for their group-stage tie on Friday night (ko 7pm).
Leigh Downing’s side are fresh from a 2-0 defeat in the National League Cup at Wealdstone, where they put in a valiant display in an end-to-end clash against senior opposition.
The young Baggies come into the fixture full of confidence, and even more so knowing a win could put them top of Group E with three left to play after Brentford beat Exeter City in the competition earlier this week.
Here's how the standings look:
PL Cup | Group E Table
| Position | Club | PL | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Exeter City | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 7 |
| 2 | Brentford | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
| 3 | Albion | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 4 | Luton Town | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -10 | 0 |
Last time out
Downing’s young charges claimed a 5-1 triumph over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in their second outing in the group stage.
Goals from Deago Nelson, Michael Parker, Noah DuPont, Charlie Blackshields and Jaiden Francis-Caesar helped Leigh Downing’s men record their maiden victory in this year’s tournament.
Venue
The Baggies will play at the home of Albion Women on Friday evening – the Alexander Stadium.
The multi-purpose venue has played host to two U21s games so far, including their opening Premier League Cup game against Exeter City.
Pre-match thoughts
Brian Okonkwo can find goalkeeping inspiration from within his own family when it comes to picturing his own future career path.
His brother Arthur, five years his senior and a fellow Arsenal academy prospect, has found form between the sticks for fellow Sky Bet Championship side Wrexham this season.
Brian believes he can look to his brother for “inspiration” while maintaining his steady development since joining the Baggies in September.
He said: “Of course, he (Arthur) is an inspiration for me. He’s doing really well to be a goalkeeper in the Championship at that age – there’s rivalry, you could say.
“I always look to be at that level or to surpass him at least, it’s what I look for and what I come in every day to do. He was pushed at my age in the same way as me, where he was getting into league football – that’s the challenge – to get to that level.”
“I think we’re coming in with confidence, especially after the last performance we had in the competition at Luton. The challenge has always been to keep focused and not let these big wins get to our head.
“We want to take the confidence from these wins and the changing room has been buzzing since that win. I can see how much we’re developing and improving as a team and Leigh (Downing)’s done a really good job building us to play at our best together.
“That’s been the main difference in the last month of games, where we’ve been getting some good performances. The environment that I’m in, is an environment that wants to push me.
“It helps get me more towards the first team. I’ve improved loads so far, the difference between the beginning and where I’m at now – it’s been a really good start and hopefully there’s more to come.
“Coming in, I heard about the competition between the goalkeepers. I want to push them and they push me to be better as a goalkeeper union.
“We’ve watched Brentford a few times in the Premier League Cup. They’re a really competitive team and they come from a Premier League set-up, we’re ready for the challenge.”
How to follow
Tickets will be available for Albion's Premier League Cup tie against Brentford on Friday night.
For those wishing to secure their ticket ahead to the game online, click here.
Supporters can buy tickets on the gate on the day of the game at the Alexander Stadium.
They are priced at £4 adults, and £2 for Under-17s and 65+. As with other Premier League youth cup competitions, free entry for season ticket holders is not available for any of this year's matches in the PL Cup.
Parking for supporters will be available at the Alex on Friday. Those attending will be directed by stewards upon entry and asked to park on either the car park adjacent to the High Performance Centre, or the overflow section situated to the south side of the stadium.
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 Wednesday's PL Cup match across the club’s social media channels, with half-time, full-time, and goal updates as they go in.
