Salford City vs Manchester United U21 Predictions

• Over 2.5 goals hit the net in eight of Salford’s final 10 matches last season.
• Man Utd U21s scored twice in three of their four EFL Trophy matches last term.
• Salford reached the semi-finals of last year’s tournament before it was cancelled.

Can Salford turn over their neighbours?

It’s derby day on Wednesday evening, when Salford City host Manchester United’s U21s in an EFL Trophy Northern Group B contest at the at the Peninsula Stadium.

United’s reserves topped their group with three wins from three at the same stage of last year’s competition, however with Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood part of the first team set-up, Tahith Chong on loan at Werder Bremen and Angel Gomes out the door, the visitors won’t be quite as strong this season.

Salford, who saw over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their final 10 home games last season, will fancy their chances of turning over their youthful upstart visitors this week, and that should in turn open up spaces to counter attack for the away team’s pacey, if inexperienced frontline containing Anthony Elanga and Dillon Hoogerwerf.

United will lack a physical presence in central defence however, and Salford have the muscle and knowhow to create chances. With those factors considered an exciting game is on the cards in Salford, which makes the over 2.5 goals market worth considering for Wednesdays game, while our correct score prediction points towards a 2-2 draw.

The Red Devils notched exactly two goals in three of their four EFL Trophy assignments last year, and while another brace is within their capabilities, the hosts should be expected to carve holes in a rearguard lacking leaders.