Crewe Alexandra vs Newcastle U21 prediction 21.11.2023

• Competition: EFL Trophy 
• Date: Tuesday, 21st November 2023
• Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
• Venue: Alexandra Stadium (Crewe)

Crewe Alexandra and Newcastle U21, two teams without a theoretical chance to advance to the next phase of the competition, will face off at Alexandra Stadium in Crewe in the last match of the EFL Trophy group stage.

In the previous 18 seasons, Crewe Alexandra constantly traveled between League One and Two, but without a real chance of returning to the Championship. Last season, they were 13th in League Two - 17 points away from the Playoffs. This season, the Railwaymen are doing much better as they are 5th in League Two, only one point away from the desired 3rd place and with one game fewer than 3rd-placed Notts County. In the FA Cup, they also did great, eliminating a League One team, Derby, in the 1st round. However, they were not too interested in the EFL Trophy and played with a heavily rotated squad in both games, which was the primary reason why they lost the games. 

Newcastle U21 had a pretty poor last season as they finished 8th in the Premier League Group 2 with 1.15 points per game. Although it is still early, this season looks really similar to the last one, considering they are averaging 1.14 points per game in the Premier League 2. Against senior competition in the EFL Trophy, Newcastle U21 had very little success, winning only one point in two rounds. 

Crewe Alexandra vs Newcastle U21 pick: Crewe Alexandra to win

Crewe Alexandra are in excellent form, winning five of the previous seven games in all competitions. At Alexandra Stadium, the Railwaymen have been really good throughout the season, losing only twice in 11 games. 

Newcastle U21 have been really bad this season, winning just two games in 12 games in all competitions. On the road, they are still without a win, and we do not think this inexperienced young team will secure positive result against the in-form Crewe.

In the previous h2h game, Crewe won 1:0 at Alexandra Stadium. Objectively, Crewe are a better team, and the only question is whether they will play with a rotated squad or not. They heavily rotated in the first two games and will probably do the same in this game. Still, even with a rotated squad, we think they are closer to winning the upcoming match.