Mansfield Town host Newcastle United U21s in the Vertu Motors Trophy Group F on Tuesday evening at One Call Stadium, looking to get their campaign back on track after a narrow defeat to Harrogate in their opener.
Nigel Clough’s side began that match slowly, conceding a penalty inside two minutes, and despite dominating for long spells they failed to convert pressure into goals. Mansfield had 58% possession and 15 shots but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
In League One, their form has been mixed, sitting mid-table with four wins from eleven games. Underlying metrics suggest their performances deserve slightly better returns, ranking 11th for non-penalty xG (1.03) and 13th for xPTS (13.35). Clough is expected to rotate again but will want a sharper attacking display, with Aaron Lewis and Dom Dwyer pushing to start.
Newcastle U21s arrive after a humbling 6-2 defeat to Huddersfield in their opening fixture, where defensive frailties were exposed by Joe Taylor’s movement and Huddersfield’s press. The young Magpies were overrun in midfield but did show flashes of quality through Sean Neave and Dylan Charlton, who both scored. Their academy sides typically play open, high-risk football, which can create chances at both ends.
With Harrogate already on six points, this feels like a must-win game for Mansfield if they are to stay in contention for qualification. For Newcastle, it’s a chance to respond and gain valuable experience against seasoned EFL opposition in what should be another lively contest.
How the bookies view it: Hosts big favourites
Mansfield Town are overwhelming favourites for this clash with Newcastle United U21, reflecting both home advantage and the gulf in experience between the sides.
The Stags are priced at 3/11 to win in ninety minutes, which implies around a 79% chance of victory. A draw is available at 19/4, while the visitors are big outsiders at 9/1. Those odds mirror the sides’ contrasting records in this competition with Mansfield have won both previous meetings, 3-0 and 6-3, while Newcastle have conceded at least three goals in four of their last five Trophy fixtures.
Goals are again expected. The over 2.5 goals market is trading at 2/5, while both teams to score is around 4/5. That suggests bookmakers anticipate an open game with Mansfield likely to do most of the scoring but still leaving room for Newcastle’s young forwards to find a way through.
Head to Head: Stags in control
The EFL Trophy meetings between Mansfield Town and Newcastle United U21 have been one-sided so far, with the Stags winning both previous encounters in convincing fashion. The sides first met in November 2021, when Mansfield recorded a 6-3 victory at One Call Stadium, and followed that up with another 3-0 win in October 2024.
Across those two games, Mansfield have scored nine goals and conceded only three, averaging 4.5 goals scored per match while allowing just 1.5. Their combined goal difference of +6 reflects how comfortably they’ve handled Newcastle’s academy side, both physically and tactically.
In the most recent meeting last year, Mansfield controlled the game from start to finish. The earlier 6-3 win in 2021 was a more chaotic affair, with both sides committing players forward, but the Stags’ experience again proved decisive.
The consistent pattern across these contests is Mansfield’s ability to dominate territory, create high-quality chances, and exploit Newcastle’s defensive naivety. The young Magpies typically play on the front foot, leaving gaps that seasoned EFL players have punished repeatedly.
Players to watch: Dwyer gets his chance
Dom Dwyer could be a key figure for Mansfield Town when they host Newcastle United U21 in the Vertu Motors Trophy. The experienced forward has gradually built up minutes this season and remains the most natural finisher in Nigel Clough’s squad.
After limited involvement early in the campaign, Dwyer made a decisive impact in the 2-1 win over Rotherham on September 27, scoring within minutes of coming off the bench. His instinctive movement inside the box and sharp reactions remain his standout traits. Though he has not yet started regularly, Clough has used him as an impact option with five league appearances, one goal, and an average of just under 15 minutes per outing.
In the cup, Dwyer is expected to start as Mansfield rotate their side. The Stags have created solid chances in this competition, posting 15 shots in their 1-0 loss to Harrogate, and Dwyer’s presence offers a clinical edge they lacked that night. His previous record in knockout football is strong, and his natural aggression in pressing defenders often unsettles young back lines.
With Mansfield producing consistent attacking numbers and Dwyer’s inclusion should add finishing quality to their approach. Against a Newcastle defence that conceded six goals in their opening group match, the veteran striker looks well placed to add to his tally and could easily be among the most likely scorers at One Call Stadium.
Predicted line-ups
Mansfield Town (4-2-3-1): Mason, Hewitt, Sweeney, Anderson, McLaughlin, Lewis, Flanagan, Dickov, Maris, Gardner, Dwyer
Newcastle U21 (4-3-3): Harrison, Pivas, Heffernan, McArthur, Thompson, Harper, Charlton, Bailey, Neave, Park, Harrison
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams to score looks a strong angle when Mansfield Town meet Newcastle United U21s in the Vertu Motors Trophy. The data points to goals at both ends.
Mansfield created plenty in their 1-0 loss to Harrogate, registering 15 shots, six on target and producing an expected goals figure around 1.3. Across League One and cup competitions combined, they average 1.02 non-penalty xG per game and concede 1.00, balanced metrics that often lead to open contests. At home, four of their last six matches in all competitions have seen both teams score, and they have managed just one clean sheets in that run.
Newcastle U21s offer volatility rather than control. Their 6-2 defeat to Huddersfield reflected a side full of energy but lacking defensive structure. They still recorded six shots, two on target and found the net twice, with Sean Neave and Dylan Charlton combining well in transition. Across their last four Trophy fixtures, the Magpies have scored in every game but conceded a total of 15 goals.
The young Magpies’ attacking freedom and Mansfield’s need to push for a win should create an open dynamic. Both sides have shown enough attacking intent and defensive inconsistency to suggest that both teams to score at One Call Stadium is a fair value bet.
GambleAware