LIVERPOOL'S Under 21s squad face a Bolton Wanderers side who have won their last two league games in the latest round of fixtures in the EFL Trophy.
The old Football League Trophy has been transformed and includes clubs from English League One and Two and 16 Academy clubs.
Bolton and Liverpool kids are in a group along with Rochdale and Port Vale and it looks a big ask for the Anfield youngsters. They were hammered 4-0 at Spotlands by Rochdale in the first round of fixtures in this competition and this could be men against boys…literally.
Liverpool are not alone to see their kids being taught a lesson in this competition. The first round of fixtures saw the Under 21s sides of Manchester United lose at Lincoln City, Spurs lose at Cambridge United, Manchester City lose at Doncaster Rovers and Everton lose at Carlisle United.
Bolton have won their last two league games at Charlton Athletic and at home to Shrewsbury Town and also beat Port Vale in their first game in the competition.
Given manager Ian Evatt has been vocal in his opposition to proposals made by City boss Pep Guardiola for these youth teams to play in the English lower leagues, it's to be expected that he will field a strong team.
How the bookies view it
Wanderers are 1/2 favourites with DSBK, with the visiting kids 4/1 with Paddy Power and the draw 7/2 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
The sides have never met, not as Liverpool Under 21s anyway. Here's Bolton taking care of Shrewsbury at home on Saturday.
Players to watch
Bolton's Oladapo Afolayan is on seven goals already for the season after 13 games including two in his last two games.
Liverpool's Polish playmaker Mateusz Musialowski is highly rated and scored two goals in their 4-3 defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League 2 a couple of weeks ago.
Anything else catch the eye?
There really should be a gulf in class here presuming Bolton pick a strong side. Liverpool have lost every EFL Trophy game they have played over two seasons and are languishing in tenth place out of 14 in the Premier League 2 table.
Bolton should get the job done with the minimum of fuss and there could be a bit of value in the 29/20 offered by BetVictor on a home half time and full time win.
The hosts are 11/10 with bet365 to win minus a goal on the handicap and that really should cop too with Bolton wanting to prove a point that kids team have no place in the English lower leagues.
This EFL Trophy match between Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool U21s will be played on Oct 5, 2021 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bolton Wanderers vs Liverpool U21s prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.