Chesterfield vs Manchester City U21 prediction 20.08.2024 | EFL Trophy

• Competition: EFL Trophy
• Date: Tuesday, 20th August, 2024
• Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CEST
• Venue: SMH Group Stadium (Chesterfield)

On Tuesday evening, a League Two side, Chesterfield, will face off against Manchester City's U21 team in the first round of the EFL Trophy Groups Stage at SMH Group Stadium in Chesterfield.

In their sixth consecutive season in the National League (fifth tier of English football), Chesterfield managed to secure promotion to League Two. And they did it in a truly dominant way, as they almost won 100 points. In the end, they finished with 98, but when it was already clear they won the title, they slowed down and lost four of four in the last five games. This year in League Two started really well for them as they won four points in two rounds but have lost in the Carabao Cuo 1/16 FInals. Still, an away 2:1 loss against a Championship side, Derby County, is not too bad of a result. Even though they just arrived in League Two, many football pundits suggest that Chesterfield is among the best teams in the league and that they will challenge for promotion.

Manchester City U21 came to this season after a really bad one last year when they finished 23rd out of 26 teams. However, that doesn't mean that Manchester City doesn't have good prospects. In fact, the majority of their good players were loaned or sold to other teams. Over the Summer, they once again did the same, and it is hard to expect a significant change. For the young Citizens, this season got off to an unaspiring start as they lost 3:1 against Liverpool U21 in the season's opener.

Chesterfield vs Manchester City U21 pick: Over 2.5 goals

Last year, Chesterfield were the best team in the league and by far the best team offensively. They scored 106 goals in 46 games, while the second-best team scored 15 goals fewer. Because of that offense, the Spireites were over 2.5 goals in 74% of their games. Additionally, they were good offensively in this season as well, scoring seven goals in three games - 2.33 per game. So, we believe they will score at least a couple of goals against an inexperienced Manchester City U21.

Like most teams in Premier League 2, Manchester City U21 mainly plays high-scoring games. Last year, they were over 2.5 goals in 16 of 20 games - an incredible 80%. And this season, they continued with that trend as we saw four goals in their first game against Liverpool U21. Also, last year in the EFL Trophy, Manchester City U21 were over 2.5 goals in all three games.

Since there is a big question about whether Chesterfield will play with their best squad, we are hesitant to take a bet on them to win, even though we believe they are a much better team. Instead, considering all the above, we believe that an over 2.5 goals bet should be the safest option for this EFL Trophy tie.