Not to be tonight in Plymouth, but proud of the effort. Despite a spirited effort and a number of chances created, two contentious first-half goals left Darren Powell’s side with a mountain to climb against an experienced Pilgrims outfit - unlucky, lads!

...Sealey squares the ball across the face of goal and Martin meets it first time, but the Plymouth ‘keeper gets across to tip it over!

...Lee produces a brilliant save to keep out Campbell’s powerful strike from the edge of the area, but the ball loops up and over the Palace ‘keeper. Fasida races back and gets there, but can’t quite hook it off the line.

Sealey’s delivery from the left finds Nascimento, whose miscued header loops up for Martin to nod past the diving Storer!!!

..Watts thinks he has his third when Harding’s whipped cross picks him out, but after poking the ball past Lee one-on-one, the flag finally goes up for offside. No hat-trick for the Plymouth forward!

...and Nascimento goes close straight away, curling an effort towards goal that Storer gathers comfortably. The Young Eagles are on the front foot.

...three goals down at the interval, with the scoreline harsh on a Palace side that has grown into the contest. Plymouth have shown quality in both boxes, while two contentious goals have most definitely added to the Young Eagles’ frustration.

...Watts receives the ball to the left of the area, cuts inside and sees his deflected effort beat a diving Lee. Palace appeal for offside once again, with the forward appearing to be in an offside position when the pass is played through, but the goal somehow stands.

...Williams clips a perfectly weighted lofted pass into the box, but Casey can’t quite get there before Storer races off his line to clear.

...Caleb Watts is threaded through and beats Lee to the ball, slotting home. Palace appeal for offside, with Watts’ fellow forward seemingly interfering with play, but the goal stands.

...Gibbard floats a teasing delivery towards the back post, where Kporha arrives to sting the palms of the Plymouth ‘keeper!

...Xavier Amaechi unleashes a spectacular strike from range which flies beyond a diving Lee. After a bright start from Palace, the pendulum has swung, and the Young Eagles are now forced to withstand a flurry of shots and crosses as Plymouth look to capitalise on their momentum.

...the Palace ‘keeper races out to clear an underhit back pass, then moments later produces an excellent save to deny Oseni from a tight angle.

...as the Young Eagles enjoy the lion’s share of possession and move the ball around nicely. Most of the play is in Plymouth territory, with Palace patiently probing for an opening.

The EFL Trophy brings together 48 League One and League Two clubs with 16 Category One academies, including Palace. The 64 teams are split into 16 groups, with the top two from each section progressing to the knockout stages.

Did you know that the sides last met in this competition in 2022/23, when Plymouth edged a 1-0 victory at Home Park.

The Young Eagles came from behind to beat Swindon 2-1 in their opening group game. Antwoine Hackford gave the hosts the lead, but Caleb Kporha levelled in stoppage time before Seb Williams completed the turnaround with a superb 25-yard finish.

Here we go! Both sides emerge from the tunnel at Home Park and line up for the final handshakes. One last look around the stadium, then it’s time for business. Come on, Palace!

First, we need to beat Plymouth, taking us to six points with one game left against Newport. Then, we need Newport and Swindon to draw. Even with the bonus point, Swindon couldn’t catch us – while Newport and Plymouth can’t both win their remaining games to finish above us. That would guarantee a top two finish and a place in the knockout stages!

That’s the final whistle on the warm-up! The Eagles head back down the tunnel as we edge ever closer to kick-off.

The two sides are out at Home Park and putting the finishing touches to their preparations. The goalkeepers are working through their drills, while the outfielders get stretched and ready for kick-off!

Three changes for Palace, with Dean Benamar and Taha Majni away on international duty and George King injured. Chuks Okoli, Amaari Sealey and Adler Nascimento come into the XI, with Okoli returning to the back three and Joe Gibbard and Caleb Kporha starting at wing-back. Sealey and Nascimento flank Benji Casey in attack.

Palace will be looking to bounce back tonight after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Blackburn ended their unbeaten start to 2026/27. The Young Eagles dominated large spells but were ultimately edged out at Sutton, with Joe Gibbard going closest to finding a late equaliser.

Every EFL Trophy fixture is available to watch live on Sky Sports+. You can also follow every kick here on the Official Palace App and Match Centre, with live updates from Home Park on our Academy X account. There will also be reaction and highlights on Palace TV+!

A very warm welcome to Home Park as the Young Eagles continue their EFL Trophy campaign against League One side Plymouth Argyle. We’ll bring you all the build-up and live action throughout the evening. Come on, Palace!