Two of West Ham’s academy starlets could face each other on Thursday afternoon.
Portugal U20s and England U20s are competing at 15.00 on Thursday. Goncalo Cardoso will represent the Portuguese while Joseph Anang will be eager to get a chance for England U20s.
Both players have something to prove and first-team chances might not be too far away.
Anang targeting Roberto’s spot?
Manuel Pellegrini will surely be keeping his eye on this match if Anang starts between the sticks. He will be competing with Joe Bursik (Accrington Stanley) and Billy Crellin (Fleetwood Town) for the goalkeeper spot.
At present, West Ham have a major crisis in the goalkeeper department. Lukasz Fabianski suffered an injury against Bournemouth in September and the Irons have not won a game since.
Roberto has been calamitous between the sticks and he will surely be replaced after punching the ball into his own net against Burnley. While David Martin is the logical next choice, Anang will be targeting this goalkeeper spot.
The 19-year-old is highly-rated by West Ham and he can take advantage of Fabianski’s injury, Roberto’s form and the fact that Nathan Trott is out on loan. If Anang performs well for England U20s, Pellegrini might consider a wildcard promotion.
Cardoso with point to prove
Cardoso was brought in during the summer window and he was hoping to push for first-team spots. As it happens, Cardoso has only made the matchday squad once for West Ham – as an unused substitute in the EFL Cup loss against Oxford United.
The 19-year-old has been getting regular game time in the youth team, though, and he has impressed. Cardoso has the chance to show why he should be considered for first-team football against England U20s.
Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have both struggled in the past few matches. Angelo Ogbonna has been solid this season but Pellegrini has dropped him. Cardoso or Winston Reid will be next in line so one injury opens the door.
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