Doncaster vs Liverpool U21 - EFL Trophy

The EFL Trophy returns to the home ground on September 2, 2026, where Doncaster and Liverpool U21 will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

Both Doncaster and Liverpool U21 will be eager to build momentum when they meet in EFL Trophy. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Liverpool U21's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Doncaster and Liverpool U21 have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. However, McInnes is relaxed about the situation and said: "When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I do not worry too much about it.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. 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. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".