U21s preview: Palace bid to bolster EFL Trophy knockout hopes
Crystal Palace Under-21s continue their 2026/27 EFL Trophy campaign at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday evening (KO: 19:00 BST), with a big opportunity to take another step towards the knockout stages.
The story so far
Darren Powell’s U21s head to Devon looking to bounce back from Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2.
It was a frustrating afternoon at Sutton’s Borough Sports Ground, where Palace had the chances to take something from the game.
Benji Casey saw his first-half penalty bounce back off both posts before Seb Williams had a second spot-kick saved after the break.
The Young Eagles were then reduced to 10 men when Taha Majni was shown a straight red mid-way through the second half, before Blackburn made their numerical advantage count with the only goal of the game.
It brought an end to Palace’s unbeaten start – but there has been plenty to like about Powell’s side so far.
A draw at Arsenal was followed by victory at Aston Villa, before the Young Eagles produced a statement 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in their Premier League International Cup opener.
They then opened their EFL Trophy account in style.
Swindon struck first at the County Ground, but Palace hit back through Caleb Kporha and Williams to claim a 2-1 victory and three valuable points.
Now, another win at Plymouth would put the Young Eagles in a very healthy position in the group.
The opposition – Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth arrive at Home Park in a rich vein of form.
The Pilgrims made it three consecutive League One victories on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win at Blackpool, moving them up to third in the table on 13 points.
Oliver Irow struck twice at Bloomfield Road, Harvey White added another and Aribim Pepple completed the scoring late on.
That result means Plymouth have now won four of their last five league outings, scoring 12 goals across those victories.
Their only defeats have come against Stockport County and Leicester City, while they drew 1-1 at Wycombe Wanderers.
It is a significant turnaround after a less convincing opening to the campaign – and Palace will now look to put a dent in that momentum.
The Pilgrims narrowly missed out on the League One play-offs last season, finishing eighth, while they also reached the quarter-finals of this competition before losing 2-1 to eventual winners Luton Town.
Previous meeting
Palace’s U21s have faced Plymouth in the competition before, with Argyle edging a 1-0 victory at Home Park in 2022/23.
The Young Eagles will be looking to settle that particular score on Tuesday night.
EFL Trophy explained
The EFL Trophy brings together clubs from League One and League Two alongside 16 Category One academies, including Palace’s U21s.
The 64 teams are split into 16 regional groups of four, with three points awarded for a win and one for a draw. If a group-stage game is level after 90 minutes, the winner is decided by penalties, with an extra point awarded to the victorious side.
The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages, which remain regionalised through to the quarter-finals.
Knockout ties also go straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes, with only the Wembley final going to extra time if required.
Team news
Tom Cleverley named an unchanged side for the second week running in Saturday’s 4-2 victory at Blackpool, following their win over Barnsley.
Jack MacKenzie has returned to training after a groin injury, but the defender missed the trip to Lancashire and could now be in contention to feature against Palace.
EFL Trophy rules require League One and League Two clubs to name at least four qualifying first-team players in their starting XI, ensuring the competition provides a strong test for the participating Academy sides.
Pre-match analysis
Plymouth head into this one in fine form, having won four of their last five games and scored 14 goals in seven League One outings.
The Pilgrims sit third in the table, with only one defeat in their last six league games.
Palace, meanwhile, already have three points on the board after beating Swindon 2-1 – and another victory at Home Park would put the Young Eagles in a strong position to progress.
Key player – Aribim Pepple
Aribim Pepple is in fine form, scoring in three successive 90-minute appearances against Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley and Blackpool.
He also found the net in Plymouth’s opening-round Carabao Cup victory over Exeter City, taking his tally to four goals in nine appearances so far this season.
The Canadian striker enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 campaign, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances across league and cup, and was rewarded with selection for Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The Gaffer – Tom Cleverley
The former Manchester United and England midfielder enjoyed a long Premier League career before moving into coaching with Watford’s academy.
Cleverley took charge of Plymouth ahead of the 2025/26 season and came close to guiding the Pilgrims into the League One play-offs, finishing eighth.
He has made a strong start to his second season at Home Park, with three consecutive league wins lifting Argyle into the promotion picture.
Be there in person
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01752 907700 or visiting the Home Park Ticket Office from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, or 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Additional fees apply: £0.75 per ticket online, £1.50 per ticket by phone and £1.50 per ticket in person.
Away supporters will be situated in the Barn Park End of Home Park.
Plymouth Argyle’s stadium is cashless, meaning food and drink kiosks accept card payments only.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £10
- Over-65s: £5
- Under-23s: £5
- Under-18s: £5
- Under-14s: £5
- Under-8s: £5
- Wheelchair Adult: £10
- Wheelchair Over-65: £5
- Wheelchair Under-23: £5
- Wheelchair Under-18: £5
Watch the action live
Unable to make it to Plymouth?
Every EFL Trophy fixture is available to watch live on Sky Sports+ throughout the competition.
The match will be available to stream in the UK via Sky Sports+, the Sky Sports app and NOW.
Follow Palace online
Follow live commentary throughout the game on our Academy X page, with updates from Home Park.
After the final whistle, a full match report and reaction will be published in our Academy news section, while highlights will follow on Palace TV+.
Match Details
Plymouth Argyle v Crystal Palace Under-21s
- Tuesday, 22nd September
- 19:00 BST
- Home Park
- EFL Trophy
- Buy tickets now!