Manchester United Under-21s will aim to progress to the third round of the EFL Trophy this Tuesday when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s at Molineux Stadium.
The young Red Devils come into this one following a defeat to Monaco in the Premier League International Cup, while Wolves U21s enter the fray fresh from a loss to Porto in the same competition.
Match preview
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Man Utd U21s managed to book their place in the second round of the EFL Trophy in comfortable fashion, topping Northern Group G with seven points from their three encounters.
Convincing victories over Carlisle United and Barrow under Mark Dempsey put them in pole position to finish in first, while a 2-2 draw on the final matchday against Fleetwood Town ensured their safe passage to the knockout phase despite losing on penalties for a bonus point.
In Premier League 2 Division One, Man Utd U21s have been less impressive, with just 10 points from 12 matches leaving them in 11th and only two points above the relegation slots.
Last time out, the Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat to Monaco in the Premier League International Cup under the lights at Old Trafford.
Going into Tuesday, Man Utd U21s will be looking to impress once again with potential opportunities for their talented youngsters to step into the senior squad under Erik ten Hag.
Wolves U21s take on Man Utd U21s in midweek having already surpassed their performance in the 2021-22 EFL Trophy group stage, when they finished bottom of the pile.
This season, they managed to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament in commendable fashion, claiming second in Northern Group C pitting their wits against Port Vale, Stockport County and Shrewsbury Town.
Wolves secured wins over Shrewsbury and Stockport to progress, while they also recorded a 2-0 defeat on matchday three against Port Vale that proved to be inconsequential.
In the league, they sit five points above their upcoming opponents Man Utd U21s in ninth place, which they will hope to take advantage of on Tuesday evening.
Man Utd U21s did manage to overcome Wolves U21s 3-2 in their only meeting of the campaign last month, meaning this will be a stern test for Jamie Collins and his side.
Team News
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Man Utd U21s are likely to put out a strong line up as they aim to put themselves in the hat for the third round of the EFL Trophy. Striker Charlie McNeill is expected to lead the line owing to scoring three goals in three matches in the competition this season.
Experienced midfielder Tom Huddlestone may gain a start in midfield to provide guidance in the centre of the pitch to his youthful teammates, while Charlie Savage could partner him as the Red Devils look to control proceedings.
Polish utility man Max Oyedele is also a possible starter in midfield, while Nathan Bishop could be given another chance between the sticks.
Wolves U21s could make some changes ahead of the second-round tie, which may enable Luke Matheson to take a place in the lineup on Tuesday night.
Alfie Pond will retain his place following his strong performance against Porto in the Premier League International Cup, while Chinese forward He Zhenyu might be afforded some minutes in front of Nathan Fraser in the cup clash.
Manchester United Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Bishop; Jurado, Mengi, Bennett, Hardley; Huddlestone, Savage, Oyedele; Emeran, Forson, McNeill
Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Smith; Matheson, Agboola, Pond, Lembikisa; Hodge, Tipton; Campbell, Scicluna, Harkin, He Zhenyu
We say: Manchester United Under-21s 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s
In a tie with much at stake, we expect both sides to attack with intent as they look to book their place in the next round of the EFL Trophy.
Nevertheless, Man Utd U21s will take the initiative early on and run out as comfortable victors on the day.
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