Sunderland continue their defence of the EFL Trophy as they host Manchester United U21 in a Northern section group F fixture at the Stadium of Light. It has been a generally fine start to the season for the Black Cats who will fancy their chances against an inconsistent United team.
Sunderland claimed a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City in their opening fixture of the EFL Trophy. They raced to an early lead through Daniel Neil while Stephen Wearne added the second after the break before the hosts pulled one back late on.
Lee Johnson’s men have shown some solid early season form and sit just one point off the pace in League One. The defending champions head into Wednesday’s clash with eight wins from their last 10 matches across all competitions.
The Stadium of Light has become a fortress in recent weeks for Sunderland who are currently on an eight-match winning run at home. They have recorded some one-sided victories in that run, including a 5-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in their previous home fixture.
Manchester United travel to Sunderland off the back of a 3-0 victory over Bradford City last time out in the EFL Trophy. They took the lead after Yann Songo'o put through his own net while Joe Hugill and Dillon Hoogewerf were also on target.
Neil Wood’s youthful side made up for a 3-2 defeat to Lincoln City in their opening fixture. The visitors will take some confidence from their win over Bradford City as they look to progress from the group.
Manchester United have struggled in the EFL Trophy in recent times and crashed out of the group stage in last season’s competition. In general, they have suffered three defeats in their last four matches in the tournament.
How the bookies view it
Sunderland go into the match as favourites among the bookies at 5/8 with Vbet. A victory for Manchester United U21 is valued at 4/1 with William Hill while a draw is set at odds of 3/1 by SBK.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Sunderland and Manchester United U21.
Players to watch
Ross Stewart has seven goals for Sunderland this season, including a brace in the win over Cheltenham Town. Sunderland have scored in their last nine home matches and with Stewart expected to feature in attack, that run could be backed to continue at 1/10 with Vbet.
Joe Hugill and Dillon Hoogewerf often feature in attack for Manchester United U21 and were on target last time out against Bradford City. Both men can trouble the Sunderland backline and ensure United find the net at 42/100 with Vbet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United and Sunderland have quality in attack and could be set to produce BTTS at 7/11 with novibet. There have been over 3.5 goals in two of United’s last three EFL Trophy matches and a similar outcome is priced at 19/13 with SBK.
Sunderland could also be tipped to earn a win and over 3.5 goals at 12/5 with BoyleSports.
This EFL Trophy match between Sunderland and Manchester United U21 will be played on Oct 13, 2021 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sunderland vs Manchester United U21 prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.