Bristol Rovers vs Chelsea U21 Predictions

Bristol Rovers to win & both teams to score at 3/1

Bristol Rovers to win 3-2 at 20/1

• Chelsea U21 haven’s won any of their last five EFL Trophy ties in 90 mins.
• Chelsea U21 have scored in each of their last nine EFL Trophy ties away from home.
• Bristol Rovers have won three of their last four EFL Trophy games.

Tough times to continue for Chelsea kids

Bristol Rovers can virtually seal their spot in the next round with a victory over a struggling Chelsea U21 side in the EFL Trophy this week.

After a much-needed victory over Carlisle United last weekend, the pressure has lifted from Joey Barton’s shoulders and the manager finally seems to have found the system that suits his squad.

The Gas’ victory over Cheltenham Town in August puts them top of Southern Group E – a point better off than Chelsea after their youngsters edged past Exeter City in a penalty shootout.

It has been a tough start to the season for Andy Myers’ young squad, who have suffered four defeats in five Premier League 2 fixtures and conceded 16 goals in the process. They were beaten 4-3 by Rovers at this stage of the competition last year when Myers fielded a team that includes now-Premier League regulars Tino Livramento and Billy Gilmour.

No shortage of goals for Gas 

Luke Thomas, who came off the bench to set up two Rovers goals in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Carlisle, Sam Nicholson and Nick Anderton are due for recalls but on-loan Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Sion Spence is absent because of international selection. Chelsea’s line-up will look similar to the one they had on duty at Exeter, although talented youngsters Harvey Vale and Jude Soonsup-Bell are with England youth squads at the moment.

The Gas should have enough confidence and composure to claim the three points in this, but Chelsea are reliable goalscorers in this competition, so a bet on the hosts to win with both teams on the scoresheet appeals.

Our prediction of a 3-2 home victory is based on the expectation of a similarly entertaining contest to last season’s 4-3 thriller and Chelsea’s current defensive record.