Morecambe will look to secure back-to-back wins in the EFL Trophy as they face Nottingham Forest U21s on Tuesday night. Both teams kicked off their campaigns with hard-fought 2-1 victories, and another win could significantly boost their chances of progressing from Northern Group C.
Match Preview
Morecambe, currently struggling at the bottom of League Two, will hope to replicate their opening success in the EFL Trophy, having beaten Wigan Athletic 2-1. Although Derek Adams’ side is winless in their last six league matches, the EFL Trophy provides a much-needed break from their domestic woes. A win against Forest U21s would put them in a strong position in the group.
Nottingham Forest U21s are also riding high after a 2-1 win over Carlisle United in their first match, with 18-year-old Archie Whitehall scoring a dramatic 94th-minute winner. However, the young Forest side has been inconsistent recently, coming off a 2-0 loss to Southampton U21s in Premier League 2. They’ll be eager to bounce back and cause problems for the experienced Morecambe side.
Team News
For Morecambe, striker Lee Angol, who scored the winner against Wigan, is expected to return to the starting XI. Jordan Slew and Ben Tollitt are also likely to feature prominently as the Shrimps rotate their squad to freshen up the lineup.
Nottingham Forest U21s head coach Warren Joyce could field the same team that beat Carlisle, with Joseph Gardner leading the attack. Ben Hammond, who came off the bench in their last game, might get a starting spot in this EFL Trophy clash.
Predicted Lineups
Morecambe: Burgoyne; Millen, Taylor, Stott, A Lewis; P Lewis, Harrack; Tollitt, Macadam, Slew; Angol
Nottingham Forest U21s: Bott; Back, Abbott, Hammond, Powell; Perry, Perkins; Sinclair, Nadin, McAdam; Gardner
Prediction
Despite Morecambe’s league struggles, their experience and home advantage could be enough to edge out a talented but inconsistent Forest U21 side. Expect a close encounter, but we back Morecambe to secure a crucial victory in Group C.
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