Harrogate vs Newcastle U21 Prediction: Sulphurites to come out on top

The EFL Trophy returns on Tuesday night and one of the standout fixtures takes place at Wetherby Road, when Harrogate Town face the Newcastle U21s (19:45 kick-off, Sky Sports+).

The League 2 side have lost five games on the bounce in the league, but have already secured their spot in the next round of the Vertu Trophy and are now looking to secure top spot in their group. Boss Simon Weaver will also see Tuesday’s game as the chance to boost confidence in the camp ahead of a big league clash at Notts County on Saturday.

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Harrogate captain Warren Burrell is expected to start and, in the process, become the club’s record appearance maker.

If he does make it onto the pitch, it will be the 448th appearance for Town for the defender, who started his career with Mansfield back in 2008.

Weaver is also likely to hand another start to striker Shawn McCoulsky, who needs game time after returning to the squad against Oldham on Saturday following a recent thigh injury.

Newcastle are expected to include Sean Neave and Harrison Ashby in their squad that travels to North Yorkshire.

Both players have been previously part of the senior squad, but weren’t included in Eddie Howe’s plans - despite a number of issues - for their Premier League game at Brentford.

Harrogate vs Newcastle U21 Odds

Having already secured qualification and looking to take top spot in Northern Group F, Harrogate are the 4/6 favourites to take the points on Tuesday.

The Newcastle Under 21s, who have collected two points from their two EFL Trophy matches, can be backed at 7/2 while the draw is available at 3/1.

Harrogate to win @ 4/6

Harrogate’s league form may have been patchy so far this season, but the Sulphurites have impressed in the EFL Trophy group stage.

Town have already beaten two teams from League One, with a 0-1 win at Mansfield followed by a 1-0 home success over Huddersfield.

A 1-0 reverse to Oldham on Saturday made it five straight League Two defeats for Weaver’s men, with a 3-2 FA Cup defeat at Mansfield also sandwiched in between.

Newcastle are one of 14 of the 16 Under 21 teams entering the competition that are currently outside the top two and can no longer qualify for the knockout stages.

Today's Football Fixtures

Over 3.5 Goals @ 6/5

Three of Harrogate’s last five matches have seen over 3.5 goals, including their FA Cup first-round defeat at Field Mill.

Newcastle’s youngsters head to the Exercise Stadium having conceded eight goals in their two previous EFL Trophy fixtures.

The Magpies drew 2-2 with Mansfield, before claiming a win on penalties, last time out, but were beaten 6-2 at Huddersfield in their opening Group F fixture.