Accrington ST return to EFL Trophy action on Tuesday evening when they host Sunderland Under-21s at The Crown Ground. The Group North fixture offers a chance to build momentum after a mixed start to the League Two season.
John Coleman's side currently sit 21st in the fourth tier, having taken six points from their opening seven matches. Their last outing was a goalless draw at home to Newport County, a result that extended their recent form to one win, two draws and two losses from their last five games.
The EFL Trophy, also known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, is a competition for League One, League Two and invited Under-21 teams from Premier League and Championship clubs. Accrington ST are in Group North - 1 alongside Sunderland U21, Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers.
The team that started the 0-0 draw with Newport provides a likely blueprint. That side lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Louie Moulden in goal, a back three of Donervon Daniels, Seamus Conneely and Jayden Anderson, and an attack led by Charlie Caton and Tommy Leigh. Coleman is expected to rotate his squad for this cup tie, giving minutes to players on the fringes.
A positive result would be a welcome boost ahead of a return to league action away at Swindon Town this weekend.
The match kicks off at 18:00 UTC on Tuesday, 22 September.
