Accrington ST vs Sunderland U21 - EFL Trophy

The EFL Trophy returns to the home ground on September 22, 2026, where Accrington ST and Sunderland U21 will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. There are just three weeks to go in the transfer window and City face more transfer questions than answers ahead of the new campaign.

Both camps will view the EFL Trophy meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Accrington ST's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Sunderland U21 will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Accrington ST and Sunderland U21 have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Barcelona have seen an opening offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri rejected by the Blues.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the EFL Trophy table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.