Manchester City Under-21s face Port Vale at Vale Park tonight knowing only a win will keep them in the EFL Trophy. Oli Reiss' side must take all three points from their final group game to secure a place in the last 32, with any other result ending their campaign.
City opened their EFL Trophy campaign with a 4-1 away victory over Mansfield Town but then lost to Chesterfield, leaving them on three points from two games. Port Vale sit a point ahead, while Chesterfield lead the group on five points.
Group Standings and Qualification Scenarios
If City win tonight and Chesterfield are beaten by Mansfield in the final group match next month, City would top the group and be seeded in the knockout stages. A draw or defeat for City would see them eliminated at the group stage.
Port Vale will qualify with either a draw or a win, setting up a decisive encounter at Vale Park. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Comeback Win in Premier League 2
City's Under-21s were in Premier League 2 action on Friday night, staging a dramatic comeback at the Joie Stadium against Stoke City. After a goalless first half, they fell three goals behind early in the second period.
Xavier Parker pulled one back with 15 minutes to play, before substitute Teddie Lamb reduced the deficit further. As the game entered the 90th minute, another substitute, Harrison Miles, drew the Blues level, and Dexter Oliver struck a late winner to secure the points.
Wilson-Esbrand's Key Role
Josh Wilson-Esbrand is set to start for City tonight, playing a crucial role in the academy setup. The 23-year-old defender has spent much of the last three years out on loan but has remained with the Blues this season, despite being left off the Premier League squad list.
That means he can only feature for Reiss' EDS squad, and he started the Premier League 2 win over Stoke on Friday. The former West Ham youngster, who joined City in 2019, is likely to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
Having had loan spells at Coventry City, Reims, Cardiff City, Stoke City and Radomiak Radom in Poland in recent seasons, Wilson-Esbrand is facing a different challenge this term as he returns to academy football. He has embraced his role as elder statesman, and Reiss has been impressed with his attitude and willingness to contribute on and off the pitch.
