Liverpool have learned the identity of their three EFL Trophy group-stage opponents, after the draw was made on Thursday.
Liverpool U21s will enter the EFL Trophy for an eighth consecutive year, looking for their first win in the competition since 2023.
Coach Rob Page’s side will again use the tournament to help the Reds’ youngsters gain experience against senior teams from the third and fourth divisions.
The regionalised draw took place on Thursday, with Liverpool drawing Huddersfield, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale in Group H.
BOLTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, October 5, 2021: The official EFL match ball during the English Football League Trophy match between Bolton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton Wanderers won 4-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, October 5, 2021: The official EFL match ball during the English Football League Trophy match between Bolton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton Wanderers won 4-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Due to the Reds being one of the 16 academy teams involved, they will all of their fixtures away from home.
Exact dates and times are still to be confirmed, but the group stage will begin in early September and should run until early November.
The top two teams from each four-club group progress to the round of 32, and the draw is regionalised until the quarter-finals.
It is worth noting that even in the group stages, all games that are level at full time are then followed by a penalty shootout.
Liverpool’s record in the EFL Trophy
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 29, 2020: Liverpool's Jake Cain (2nd from L) celebrates with team-mate after scoring the first goal during the EFL Trophy Northern Group D match between Tranmere Rovers FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Prenton Park. Tranmere Rovers won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 29, 2020: Liverpool's Jake Cain (2nd from L) celebrates with team-mate after scoring the first goal during the EFL Trophy Northern Group D match between Tranmere Rovers FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Prenton Park. Tranmere Rovers won 3-2. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Since under-21 sides were first allowed to enter in 2016, none have ever won the competition – and Liverpool have only once ever got out of their group.
While it should be acknowledged that the development of individual players is the primary goal of the Reds’ participation, their record in the EFL Trophy does not read well.
Liverpool have won just one of their 22 matches in normal time. That 3-0 win over Morecambe in 2023 meant they got out of their group, only to lose 4-0 against Bradford in the next round.
Often, the Reds’ opponents aren’t playing their strongest teams. Many fans have boycotted the competition in protest at academy sides being allowed to enter, so the early rounds have taken on significantly less meaning.
Last season saw Liverpool lose 2-0 against Burton Albion and Crewe, before they won a mammoth penalty shootout 10-11 following a 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.
Rhys Williams got some rare time, as did Kaide Gordon, but Page will hope for better this time around, especially given that he has managed Wales at a World Cup in the past.
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