Portsmouth are only playing for pride as they host Crystal Palace U21 in their final Group J fixture in the EFL Trophy. Palace on the other hand still have a good chance of progressing to the next round and are expected to go all out on Tuesday.
Portsmouth are attempting to get their season back on track after enduring a difficult start to the campaign. They are unbeaten in their last four matches and head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a 1-0 victory over Harrowgate Borough in an FA Cup first round fixture in Saturday.
Danny Cowley’s men have lost both their matches in the EFL Trophy, beginning with a 5-3 defeat to AFC Wimbledon before falling 2-0 at home to Sutton United in their second group fixture. They have no chance of progressing to the next round of the competition but will be keen to end their campaign on a high.
Defending has been a major problem for Portsmouth this season and have conceded seven goals in just two EFL Trophy matches. They have also kept just two clean sheets in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Crystal Palace U21 kept alive their chances of qualifying for the next round of the EFL Trophy after claiming a 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in their previous fixture. They struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but burst to life after the break with goals from Jesuran Rak-Sakyi and Robert Street sealing the win.
It was a good way to bounce back for Palace after suffering a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Sutton United in their opening fixture. Patrick McCarthy’s men are level on three points with Wimbledon, who next face Sutton and could book a place in the next round if results go their way in midweek.
Although Crystal Palace U21 kept a clean sheet against Wimbledon, the three goals conceded at Sutton points to an unconvincing backline which is likely to be tested by Portsmouth.
How the bookies view it
The bookies appear to be split on this one with Vbet offering 8/5 for a Portsmouth win while a victory for Crystal Palace is priced at 6/4 with bet365. A draw is also set at odds of 12/5 with bet365.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Portsmouth and Crystal Palace U21.
Players to watch
Portsmouth's recent resurgence has been driven by striker John Marquis and midfielder Marcus Harness, who have both been among the goals lately. Pompey have scored in their last four matches and could be backed to once again find the net at 26/100 with Vbet.
Robert Street and Jesuran Rak-Sakyi often feature in attack for Crystal Palace U21 and were on target in the win against Wimbledon. Both men can ensure Palace get on the score sheet on Tuesday at 26/100 with Vbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Portsmouth and Crystal Palace U21 often struggle defensively but boast some quality at the other end of the pitch. They are likely to produce BTTS at 4/6 with Vbet while over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 4/5 with bet365.
Portsmouth have been held at the break in two of their last three matches and could be set for another halftime draw at 6/5 with Vbet.
This EFL Trophy match between Portsmouth and Crystal Palace U21 will be played on Nov 9, 2021 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Portsmouth vs Crystal Palace U21 prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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