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Plymouth Argyle will kick off their EFL Trophy campaign on Tuesday night when they welcome Crystal Palace U21 to Home Park.
The young Eagles have already featured in the competition, securing an away victory over Swindon Town, while the Pilgrims have been focusing on their League One promotion push and enter Tuesday's clash in excellent form.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Plymouth vs. Crystal Palace U21 key stats
- Tom Cleverley's side have scored 12 goals across their last five matches.
- Only one side has scored more League One goals than Plymouth Argyle this season.
- Crystal Palace U21 have recorded every possible result across their opening three Premier League 2 matches.
- The Eagles have already beaten EFL opposition this season, securing a 2-1 victory over Swindon Town.
Plymouth vs. Crystal Palace U21 preview: Will any future talent shine in the cup?
Plymouth Argyle vs Crystal Palace U21 — Tale of the Tape
| Plymouth Argyle | vs | Crystal Palace U21 |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 18th |
| 13 | Points | 4 |
| 14 | Goals For | 3 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 2 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 6th | Home / Away Rank | 4th |
After narrowly missing out on the playoff places last season, Tom Cleverley is determined to go one step further and guide Plymouth Argyle back to the Championship following their recent relegation.
Despite losing at home to Stockport County on the opening day, the Pilgrims have responded impressively and now sit third in League One after winning four of their last five matches.
Victories over Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley and Blackpool, with a defeat away to Leicester City in between, have lifted the Devon-based side into the promotion picture, with the opportunity to move top when they return to League One action next weekend.
For now, a much-changed XI will take on a Premier League academy as Plymouth begin their EFL Trophy campaign at Home Park, with the Pilgrims having finished runners-up in the competition during the 2022-23 season.
As for the visitors, Crystal Palace U21 are led by Darren Powell and currently compete in Premier League 2 Division 1.
The Eagles have played three league matches so far, recording one win, one draw and one defeat, although their three goals scored rank among the lowest totals in the division.
Unlike their upcoming opponents, Palace have already featured in the EFL Trophy this season, beating Swindon Town 2-1 last week thanks to goals from Caleb Kporha and Sebastian Williams.
They have since returned to league action, suffering their first defeat of the season at home to Blackburn Rovers, with the 1-0 loss also seeing midfielder Taha Majni sent off.
Plymouth vs. Crystal Palace U21 form guide & betting tips
| Plymouth Argyle | vs | Crystal Palace U21 |
|---|---|---|
WLWWW |
Form | DWL |
| 12 | Points | 4 |
| 1st | Form Table | 18th |
| 12 | Goals For | 3 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 2 |
| N/A | Form (EFL Trophy) | W |
Whispers predicts: Plymouth 3-0 Crystal Palace U21
With Plymouth Argyle in excellent League One form, it is no surprise to see the Pilgrims emerge as clear favourites for Tuesday's clash, even if they make significant changes to their starting XI.
We expect Plymouth to begin their EFL Trophy campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory, with the correct score priced at 10/1 and a home win available at 1/4.
With that scoreline in mind, we also expect Over 2.5 goals, which is priced at 2/7, while Both Teams to Score – No is available at 6/4.
> Over 2.5 goals at 2/7 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both Teams to Score – No at 6/4 | Likelihood: Probable
> Plymouth to win at 1/4 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score of 3-0 at 10/1 | Likelihood: Outsider