Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Carlislevs.Forest U21s

sportsmole.co.uk, 1 September 2024, 11:47
Both kicking off their Group C campaign, Carlisle United and Nottingham Forest Under-21s meet for an EFL Trophy contest on Tuesday.

While Carlisle have made a slow start to the new season and parted ways with their manager at the weekend, Forest's youngsters will arrive at Brunton Park in much better form.

Match preview

Local hero Paul Simpson has again left Carlisle United following Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Tranmere Rovers, as his second spell in charge ended with the club sitting 20th in the early League Two table.

Carlisle-born Simpson - who also finished his playing career at Brunton Park - returned as manager in 2022, leading the Blues to promotion.

However, they were relegated to England's fourth tier last season following a dismal run of nine defeats from 10, and they have now lost three of four league matches this term.

Other than a gritty win over Barrow, the Blues have not been able to convert chances into points, and change became almost inevitable.

The Cumbrian club's Florida-based ownership have now decided to act, so a caretaker team will be in charge for Carlisle's cup clash in midweek.

By contrast with their hosts, Nottingham Forest Under-21s are flying high in Premier League 2 this season, having posted three wins from three to start the campaign.

Following an opening-day defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Forest's young guns beat Norwich City 3-0 and then Reading 2-0.

As a result, Warren Joyce's side have claimed maximum points without conceding a single goal so far, putting them joint-top of the table with Arsenal and West Ham United.

Now, in a group also featuring Morecambe and Wigan Athletic, the top-flight club's Under-21 team can test themselves against senior professionals in the EFL Trophy.

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

L

L

Nottingham Forest Under-21s form (all competitions):

Team News

Under temporary management, and with an important league game against Bradford City scheduled for the weekend, Carlisle are likely to make changes to the side that lined up against Tranmere.

Dylan McGeouch and Cameron Harper could be involved after returning from injury, while Ben Barclay and Sam Lavelle may be back in the starting XI.

Captain Charlie Wyke should feature up front, possibly supported by Jordan Jones, who made his debut in the Blues' weekend defeat.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest Under-21s will name their strongest possible side on Tuesday, including 18-year-old winger Jimmy Sinclair, who has scored twice this season in Premier League 2.

Left-back Josh Powell was also on target last time out, and he should start in the visitors' back four.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Breeze; Davies, Hayden, Lavelle, Mellish, Williams; Jones, Barclay, Neal; Armstrong, Wyke

Nottingham Forest Under-21s possible starting lineup:

Bott; Back, Hammond, McAdam, Powell; Perry, Perkins; Sinclair, Nadin, Newton; Gardner

We say: Carlisle United 1-1 Nottingham Forest Under-21s

Previews by email
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Owners scrapped striker sale over 'scrutiny concerns'
Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital reportedly scrapped the proposed Deivid Washington sale due to scrutiny concerns.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca rings the changes for the Premier League game with Crystal Palace.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'eyeing up' £30m Luke Shaw replacement from Fulham
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, provided they are able to raise the necessary funds before the January transfer window opens.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona
Barcelona's management have reportedly given Frenkie de Jong a deadline, as their frustration grows over his ongoing injury issues.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelseavs.Crystal Palace
Chelsea will be attempting to equal a Football League record when they play host to Crystal Palace.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Outcast defender 'to be offered' Fenerbahce lifeline?
Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell could reportedly be offered an escape route from Chelsea by Fenerbahce after Manchester United rejected the chance to sign him.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Transfer Talk Update: Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney
It's transfer deadline day! The clock is ticking down as clubs up and down the land have only a few hours to get their deals across the line.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Turkish Super Lig predictions including Besiktas vs. Sivasspor
Istanbul vs. Antalyaspor (Sunday, 5.15pm) Istanbul Basaksehir and Antalyaspor will face off in a Turkish Super Lig clash on Sunday evening at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu. Both teams have four points so far, but the hosts have this tally from two matches while the visitors have played three. We say: Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 Antalyaspor Basaksehir are in excellent form, having embarked on an eight-match unbeaten streak at the start of the season - their impressive run extends back to the previous campaign, making them strong favourites to secure a victory against Antalyaspor in this clash.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Celtic vs. Rangers
Celtic vs. Rangers (Sunday, 12.30pm) Celtic are set to face off against their fierce rivals Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon in the first Old Firm derby of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season. The hosts have a flawless league record with three wins from three, leaving the visitors trailing by two points, having secured two wins and a draw in their three matches.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Primeira Liga predictions including Gil Vicente vs. Braga
Nacional vs. Farense (Sunday, 3.30pm) Nacional and SC Farense will be seeking to secure their first win of the 2024-25 Primeira Liga campaign when they square off at the Estadio da Madeira on Sunday. This will be the first top-flight meeting between the two sides since February 2021, when the visitors secured a 3-2 victory thanks to strikes from Andre Pinto, Ryan Gauld and an own goal from Pedro Mendes.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Eredivisie predictions including PSV vs. Go Ahead Eagles
Utrecht vs. FC Twente (Sunday, 11.15am) Two of last season's top-seven sides face off in round four of the Eredivisie as FC Utrecht entertain the challenge of FC Twente at Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday. The home side will be seeking to pick up where they left off and claim back-to-back victories, while the away side go in search of a return to winning ways after having to make do with a point last time out.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's La Liga predictions including Real Madrid vs. Real Betis
Alaves vs. Las Palmas (Sunday, 4.00pm) Alaves will attempt to claim a second straight win when they welcome Las Palmas to Mendizorroza for Sunday's La Liga contest. Las Palmas are still searching for their first win of the season, but they will be in high spirits after holding Real Madrid to a draw on Thursday.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Serie A predictions including Juventus vs. Roma
Fiorentina vs. Monza (Sunday, 5.30pm) Following a close escape in Europe, Fiorentina return to Serie A duty on Sunday evening, when they welcome Monza to Stadio Artemio Franchi. Now through to the Conference League for a third straight season, La Viola have drawn all of their games so far, while Monza are awaiting their first league win since Raffaele Palladino left for Florence.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Bundesliga predictions including Bayern Munich vs. Freiburg
Heidenheim vs. Augsburg (Sunday, 2.30pm) After qualifying for the league phase of the Conference League on Thursday, Heidenheim are set to host Augsburg at Voith-Arena on Sunday in their second game of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season. The home team won 2-0 on August 25 against newly-promoted St Pauli, and are currently third in the table, while the visitors are eighth with one point after they drew 2-2 against Werder Bremen on August 24.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Ligue 1 predictions including Lille vs. PSG
Monaco vs. Lens (Sunday, 2.00pm) Monaco welcome Lens to the Stade Louis II in Ligue 1 on Sunday with the two clubs having made excellent starts to the new campaign. Both sides have won their opening two games of the season without conceding, and are providing early pressure on huge title favourites Paris Saint-Germain.
1 September 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Premier League predictions including Man United vs. Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (Sunday, 1.30pm) After a chaotic summer of transfer activity, Chelsea can finally focus solely on matters on the field when they face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues booked their place in the Conference League proper during the week despite defeat in Switzerland and will look to build on last week's thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal1 - 1Brighton
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has conceded he was "shocked" after being sent off in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Ham1 - 3Man City
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland matched a record set by Harry Kane after he scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham United.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Liverpool
Erik ten Hag has defended his record as Manchester United manager ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Salford Cityvs.MK Dons
Salford City will attempt to claim their first win of the season when they welcome MK Dons to the Penisula Stadium for Monday's League Two contest.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolves transfer news: Gary O'Neil speaks on Jose Sa future, goalkeeping decisions
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O'Neil has indicated that goalkeeper Jose Sa will be remaining at Molineux.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'draw up plans' to strengthen key position in January transfer window
Liverpool have reportedly made plans to sign a new midfielder in the January window.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Man United winger Jadon Sancho completes loan switch
Chelsea have finally announced that they have signed Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a season-long loan deal.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal1 - 1Brighton
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka emulated Thierry Henry with his assist in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: How will Premier League giants use remaining markets to reduce exiled player list?
The headline news for Chelsea from deadline day was the arrival of Jadon Sancho at a time when Raheem Sterling was heading to Arsenal.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal1 - 1Brighton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has criticised a lack of consistency in officiating following Declan Rice's red card in the 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
West Ham1 - 3Man City
Manchester City's Rock 'n' Roll Star Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for the second game in a row, firing the Citizens to a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brentford3 - 1Southampton
In their third game of the league season, Thomas Frank's Brentford welcomed Russell Martin's Southampton to Brentford Community Stadium in a three PM fixture that saw the hosts emerge as 3-1 victors.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ipswich Town 1-1 Fulham: Highlights, man of the match, stats
Ipswich Town picked up their first point of the Premier League campaign after playing out an entertaining 1-1 draw at home to Fulham.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Everton2 - 3Bournemouth
Bournemouth have incredibly recorded a 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park despite trailing by two goals with three minutes remaining.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nott'm Forest1 - 1Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their first point of the 2024-25 Premier League season after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leicester1 - 2Aston Villa
Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Premier Leagues as they held on to secure a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Raheem Sterling 'turned down' staggering £33m-per-year deal to join Arsenal
Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling turned down a staggering £650,000-a-week offer from a Saudi Arabian club to join Arsenal, according to a report.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Liverpool
Reuniting after their quartet of battles in the Eredivisie, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Liverpool boss Arne Slot butt heads in Sunday's Premier League blockbuster between their two sides at Old Trafford.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal1 - 1Brighton
Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their home meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion after they played the majority of the second period with 10 men following Declan Rice's red card.
31 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Osimhen 'dropped' from Napoli squad after failed deadline day move to Chelsea
Victor Osimhen has reportedly been excluded from Napoli's squad list for the season following an unsuccessful deadline day move to Chelsea.
Show more

Top News

25 March 2025 talksport.com Former England manager Glenn Hoddle was impressed by Morgan Rogers' 'wonderful' performance against Latvia. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Mark Clattenburg has opened up on the explosive interactions he shared with some of the Premier League's most iconic managers. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Tottenham Hotspur and current Anderlecht defender Jan Vertonghen has confirmed that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Dan Ashworth is set to make a surprise return to the FA after leaving Manchester United. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly aware what it will take to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni during the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have reportedly identified five potential replacements for defender Jules Kounde. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk England Women's head coach Sarina Wiegman has confirmed a 25-player squad for April's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Belgium. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for one of their international midfielders. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Dean Holden has heaped praise on Steven Gerrard's managerial expertise after working under him in Saudi Arabia. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'fortunate' to be joining Real Madrid. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Gareth Ainsworth has agreed a deal to become the new Gillingham manager, talkSPORT understands. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Alisha Lehmann has insisted there's a 'huge difference' between the standards of women's football pitches in England and Italy. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Steve Bruce has admitted he did not get on 'very well' with Dwight Gayle at Newcastle. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool look set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players may depart Anfield at the end of the season. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pablo Sarabia is seemingly increasingly likely to depart Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer, talkSPORT understands. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly identified two alternatives to Jadon Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window. 25 March 2025 talksport.com Reece James admitted that his muted celebration was due to his surprise that his free-kick resulted in a goal. 25 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT fans have settled the never-ending 'Club vs Country' debate. 25 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest football news as some blockbuster transfer news breaks this morning. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong have reportedly entered talks over a new contract after the Dutchman decided that he wanted to stay at Camp Nou. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lille striker Jonathan David has once again commented on his future amid talk of a potential free transfer to either Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is apparently in direct contact with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected move to Real Madrid. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is reportedly open to a move to Turkish side Galatasaray should his team be relegated from the Premier League. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Azerbaijan vs. Belarus (Tuesday, 5.45pm) Azerbaijan will be bidding to bounce back from a shock defeat when they host Belarus in a friendly on Tuesday night. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Moldova vs. Estonia (Tuesday, 5.00pm) At least one of Moldova and Estonia will collect their first points of World Cup 2026 Qualifying when they lock horns at Stadionul Zimbru on Tuesday evening. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Endrick has hinted at a possible Real Madrid exit after he revealed he fears his lack of playing time could cost him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad. 25 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly prepared to axe 10 players as part of Ruben Amorim's squad rebuild this summer. 24 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed personal terms with Spanish giants with Real Madrid.