Match preview and context
The Premier League International Cup returns to Dagenham on 11/02/2026 as West Ham United U21 host Anderlecht U21 at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. The venue’s compact capacity and familiar turf should give the Hammers’ youngsters a sense of occasion, but the numbers paint a contest where Anderlecht arrive with clear attacking superiority. West Ham arrive on the back of a heavy 5-0 defeat to Fulham U21 just days ago, while Anderlecht’s most recent outing in this competition was a confident 3-0 victory at Leeds United U21 — a result that underlines their ability to travel and score.
Form and statistical edge
Formlines for both teams are mixed, but Anderlecht have the sharper attacking metrics. Across the available sample, Anderlecht average 13.67 total shots and a remarkable 23 shots on target in total (illustrative of clinical chances), with nine away goals recorded versus West Ham’s two scored at home. West Ham’s defensive vulnerability at Chigwell is noticeable: eight goals conceded at home in the recorded period. Anderlecht counterbalance that by conceding only three away goals, boasting stronger control of dangerous attacks and an aggressive corners average. Both sides appear to feature games with goals — their over-2.5 percentages are at 100% in the data provided — suggesting open play and end-to-end moments rather than cagey, low-scoring fare.
Tactical expectations
Expect Anderlecht to press and create early openings; their shot volume and dangerous-attack averages indicate they won’t be content to sit back. West Ham, recovering from a heavy loss and several draws, will be under pressure to tighten defensive organization but have shown recent brittle forms that could invite more pressure. With Anderlecht’s ability to convert chances away from home and West Ham’s tendency to see matches with multiple goals, the narrative points to a game with a supply of finishes rather than a defensive stalemate.
Betting context and reading the market
When selecting a market, consider how both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs in the documented matches. If you prefer a wider context on choosing markets, see Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets: Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets. For strategic timing on goal lines and when to commit to an over/under play, the piece on the right moment to act can be useful: The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion
Given Anderlecht’s superior attacking output on the road, West Ham’s recent heavy defeat and the strong indicators for multiple goals, the best pick in the goal market is Over 2.5 goals. The statistical pattern favors a fixture where both sides contribute to the scoreline and where Anderlecht’s firepower should be enough to tilt the game into a multi-goal contest.
