Real Sociedad next for under-21s

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Albion chasing a second win in the Premier League International Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2024-10-21T15:30+01:00

Marcus Ifill scores in Friday's 3-0 win over RB Leipzig. Albion will be looking for another win in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood

Head coach Shannon Ruth expects a different type of test when the men’s U21s look for a second win in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday.

Fresh from a 3-0 win in their opening Group D encounter against RB Leipzig on Friday, Albion entertain Real Sociedad at the American Express Elite Performance Centre (7.30pm).

Ahead of what is Albion’s second fixture of five in the space of 14 days, Ruth said, “Sociedad are a different, slightly older opponent. We expect a tough game which will require us to bring the best version of ourselves if we want to get another positive result.”

Reflecting on the win over Leipzig Ruth praised his players’ ‘strong identity’ against the Germans, who had already beaten Chelsea 4-2 earlier in the competition and are top of their domestic league.

“We were really pleased with Friday’s result, it was one of the best all-round performances we’ve had, both with the ball and in transition against a really tough Leipzig team. We nullified them and the identity of the team was really strong on the night.”

Albion also face home games against Anderlecht and Sporting Lisbon in the group stages while tonight’s opponents drew 2-2 against Crystal Palace in their only game so far.

“It’s a competition we love because it gives a different feel to the evening and throws up different challenges compared to PL2,” added Ruth. “They are important games for development.

“They are all different teams, and it means the players are getting a good variety of opponents. We’re in the middle of a packed fixture programme and will have to utilise everyone and give opportunities to the players who deserve it.”