Bristol Rovers are targeting a second straight win in the Southern Group E of the EFL Trophy as they host Chelsea U21 at Memorial Stadium. Chelsea are seeking their first win of the competition and with neither team looking particularly convincing at the back, goals are predicted in this fixture.
Bristol Rovers began their campaign in the EFL Trophy with a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in their opening fixture. Following a cagey first half, they came to life after the break with Sam Nicholson and Harvey Saunders getting the goals.
Things have not been smooth for Bristol Rovers in League Two as they currently sit 16th on the table. However, they appear to be slowly turning their form around with two wins in their last three matches, including a 3-0 victory over Carlisle United in their previous fixture last Saturday.
One of the major problems for manager Joey Barton this season has been Bristol Rovers’ leaky defence which has kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches.
Chelsea U21 were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture in the EFL Trophy. Bryan Fiabema's first half opener was cancelled out deep into added time before the Young Blues edged out the hosts on penalties.
Although manager Andrew Myers will be disappointed to be undone by a late penalty, he is likely to take plenty of positives from his team’s performance. They dominated the possession, creating several chances and will be targeting their first regulation time win in the competition.
How the bookies view it
The bookies are split on this one with Chelsea U21 priced at 52/35 by Vbet to win while a victory for Bristol Rovers is valued at 6/4 with Paddy Power. SBK is offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head
There have been just two previous matches between Bristol Rovers and Chelsea U21 with the hosts winning both fixtures. Last season’s clash ended 4-3 in favour of Rovers with Sam Nicholson getting one of the goals.
Players to watch
Midfielder Sam Nicholson and striker Harvey Saunders scored the goals for Bristol Rovers in their opening fixture and were also on target against Carlisle United last Saturday. Both men are likely to feature on Wednesday and could ensure Rovers find the net at 1/5 with Vbet.
Bryan Fiabema will be the one to watch for Chelsea U21 following his goal in the opening fixture. Given Bristol Rovers’ shaky defence and with the striker expected to feature in attack, the Young Blues are likely to score on Wednesday at 2/11 with Vbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
The last meeting between Bristol Rovers and Chelsea U21 produced over 5.5 goals and a similar outcome is priced at 8/1 with Vbet. Over 4.5 goals is valued at 7/2 with betfair while over 3.5 goals is set at odds of 25/19 with SBK.
Bristol Rovers have opened the scoring in their last two matches and could be tipped to score first at 5/6 with bet365.
This EFL Trophy match between Bristol Rovers and Chelsea U21 will be played on Oct 13, 2021 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bristol Rovers vs Chelsea U21 prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.