U21s preview: Palace kick off EFL Trophy campaign at Swindon
Crystal Palace Under-21s begin their 2026/27 EFL Trophy campaign at Swindon Town on Tuesday evening (KO: 19:00 BST) – here’s everything you need to know!
Story so far
Darren Powell’s U21s have made an unbeaten start to the new campaign, recording two wins and a draw from their opening three games.
Zavier Gozo opened the scoring as Palace drew 1-1 at Arsenal in Premier League 2, before Benji Casey and Adler Nascimento struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa.
Then came the biggest result yet…
Palace produced a memorable 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in their Premier League International Cup opener at Sutton United’s Borough Sports Ground.
Nascimento set the tone with a sublime free-kick into the top corner, before Harry Lee saved a penalty shortly before half-time.
Seb Williams doubled the lead early in the second half with a crisp half-volley. PSG pulled one back through Noa Bezeme, but the Young Eagles stood firm to claim a statement victory.
The result put Palace top of Group C, while Nascimento continued his remarkable start to the season. After scoring all five of Palace’s goals in pre-season, the forward has now found the net in consecutive competitive games.
The opposition – Swindon Town
Swindon spent much of last season in the League Two play-off places before falling away in the closing weeks to finish ninth.
The Robins had made a strong start to this campaign, winning three of their opening five games to sit second, but their momentum was checked emphatically at the weekend.
Swindon were beaten 4-0 away at York City on Saturday, leaving them looking to respond when they welcome Powell’s side on Tuesday night.
It should make for an intriguing test, with Palace looking to take advantage of a Swindon side seeking an immediate reaction.
Previous meetings
The Robins have crossed paths with Palace’s Academy in recent years, with the Young Eagles securing a 2-0 victory in the 2022/23 Vertu Trophy.
John-Kymani Gordon scored both goals as Palace advanced from the group stage.
EFL Trophy explained
The Vertu 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
Swindon are currently dealing with several injuries, including Ryan Tafazolli, Ollie Clarke and Louis Millard, who suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday’s win over Colchester.
Deadline-day signings Dan Butler and Antwoine Hackford both made their Swindon debuts in that victory, while Tom Nichols returned from injury.
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
Swindon sit ninth in League Two after six games, having collected 10 points from three wins, one draw and two defeats.
The Robins have scored eight goals and conceded 10, with Aaron Drinan leading the way on five goals.
Their latest outing brought a setback, however, as they were beaten 4-0 away at York City on Saturday. Powell’s side will therefore face a Swindon team looking to respond immediately on Tuesday night.
Key player – Aaron Drinan
Drinan remains Swindon’s chief attacking threat, having scored a hat-trick in their 3-1 victory over Colchester United before Saturday’s defeat at York City.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 campaign, scoring 28 goals in all competitions, including 22 in League Two, as Swindon finished ninth.
His performances earned him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, making him the only Swindon player selected.
The Gaffer – Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway is one of the most recognisable figures in English football, with more than 600 appearances as a player and almost 1,000 professional games as a manager across a career spanning more than two decades.
The former Palace boss has secured three promotions as a manager, including guiding the Eagles to the Premier League in 2012/13.
He also led Blackpool to the top flight and QPR to promotion from the Football League Second Division.
Holloway enjoyed success as a player, too, helping Wimbledon win promotion from the Football League Second Division in 1985/86 and Bristol Rovers from the Football League Third Division in 2003/04.
In total, he has achieved five promotions as both a player and manager.
Be there in person
Supporters can watch Darren Powell’s side in person at the County Ground, with tickets for the away end available from just £2.
There is no increase for tickets purchased on the day.
Away ticket prices:
- Under-14s: £2
- Under-18s: £3
- Over-65s: £5
- Adult: £10
Watch the action live
Unable to make it to Swindon? 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 the County Ground.
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
Swindon Town v Crystal Palace Under-21s
- Tuesday, 15th September
- 19:00 BST
- County Ground
- EFL Trophy
- Buy tickets here