Rochdale take on Liverpool Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, with both teams looking to record their first win in this season's competition.

Liverpool U21s lost 2-1 away to Salford City, while Rochdale were beaten on penalties by Accrington Stanley.

Match preview

Rochdale's Luke Matheson celebrates scoring their first goal against Manchester United on September 25, 2019 © Reuters

Having drawn 3-3 after normal time, Rochdale did at least gain a point from their travels to Accrington in their opening game in the EFL Trophy, but missed out on a bonus point after losing 4-3 on penalties.

The Dale had performed a miraculous second half comeback after Accrington went two goals ahead, scoring three times in a crazy spell of seven minutes to look like snatching an unlikely victory. However, Tyrese Sinclair's own goal in injury-time meant penalties were instead required to separated the two sides.

Jim Bentley, who was born in Liverpool, was taking charge of his first match since leaving AFC Fylde for Rochdale, and he has failed to lift them off the foot of League Two since then having only taken one point from three matches.

The 46-year-old will hope to secure a positive result against the Reds on Tuesday ahead of a crucial trip to Colchester Town at the weekend, with only a win in East Anglia enough to provide themselves with a chance of clambering off the bottom of the table.

Stefan Bajcetic in action for Liverpool on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

Liverpool U21s, meanwhile, were comfortably held at arm's length by Salford, with the hosts running out 2-1 winners at Moor Lane.

Kevin Berkoe and Jack Jenkins struck either side of half-time, with Layton Rhys Stewart's late effort proving to be little more than a consolation goal for the youngsters.

With the majority of the senior squad jetting off with their countries for an international break, Jurgen Klopp could pay more interest in this match than usual, potentially providing even more for the Reds' young guns to play for.

Having only gained one point across 10 matches in this competition over the past three seasons, they need all the motivation they can get if they are to avoid another defeat.

Rochdale EFL Trophy form:

Rochdale form (all competitions):

Liverpool Under-21s EFL Trophy form:

Team News

Nat Phillips in action for Liverpool on August 15, 2022 © Reuters

Rochdale will be without Ethan Ebanks-Landell due to suspension.

With a hugely important league match to think about on Saturday, Bentley may make several changes here, with Femi Seriki and Rayhaan Tulloch two of Rochdale's younger players likely to receive a chance from the start.

Liverpool U21's, meanwhile, could include Arthur and Nat Phillips, who are both short of match fitness.

Otherwise, it is likely to be a fresh-faced side as only two players over the age of 21 are allowed to feature for academy teams in this competition, with Stefan Bajcetic expected to be involved.

Rochdale possible starting lineup:
Slicker; Seriki, Graham, McNulty, White; Brierley, Ball; Tulloch, Malley, Odoh; Rodney

Liverpool Under-21s possible starting lineup:
Davies; Mabaya, Quansah, Phillips, Chambers; Clark, Arthur, Bajectic; Blair, Stewart, Woltman

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We say: Rochdale 2-1 Liverpool Under-21s

Liverpool U21s have struggled in this competition in recent years, and we think their losing streak could continue on Tuesday.

Rochdale are not in good form whatsoever, which is only likely to increase their motivation to avoid an embarrassing defeat against an academy outfit.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Top tip

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