Preview: Everton Under-21s vs. Mansfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups

With this fixture taking place after the other last-32 ties, both teams know that Lincoln City will await the victors in the next round.

Match preview

At a time when the first team is enjoying a much-needed break after a dismal run of form, Everton Under-21s have continued with their schedule and participated in some high-profile fixtures.

Over the past month, the young Toffees have posted a 6-3 victory over Manchester City and a 2-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup.

Nevertheless, Paul Tait will not be overly happy with his team's form after failing to defeat either Southampton or Birmingham City in their last two outings.

In terms of the EFL Trophy, Everton are yet to lose in normal time, hitting back from a penalty-shootout defeat to Morecambe to beat Harrogate Town in the same fashion.

That left Tait's side with a must-win encounter against Hartlepool United and the Merseyside outfit thrashed their League Two opponents by a 6-0 scoreline.

Mansfield will take that as enough evidence that they cannot afford to take their less-experienced opponents lightly if they wish to have a prolonged run in this competition.

The fourth-tier outfit edged out Manchester City by a 3-2 scoreline in their first game of the group stages before succumbing to a 2-0 reverse at Grimsby Town.

That left Mansfield requiring a win of some kind against Derby County, Nigel Clough's team obliging by prevailing on spot kicks after a 1-1 draw.

Mansfield's general form has been mixed, losing five of their last eight outings and bowing out of the FA Cup to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Everton Under-21s EFL Trophy form:

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Everton Under-21s form (all competitions):

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Mansfield Town EFL Trophy form:

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Mansfield Town form (all competitions):

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Team News

Ben Godfrey came through 76 minutes against Birmingham on Friday as he continues his recovery from a fractured leg sustained on the opening day of the season.

While the defender is eligible to feature in this game, it remains to be seen whether Frank Lampard and the club's medical staff will avoid another outing so soon.

Jack Tierney, who replaced him against Blues, could be handed an opportunity in his place with the team likely to closely resemble the previous fixture, although Matthew Apter is an injury doubt.

With Mansfield still playing League Two fixtures during the World Cup, Clough may rotate his side for this contest.

Scott Flinders, James Perch, Kieran Wallace, Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery will all hope to feature in the Stags XI.

Everton Under-21s possible starting lineup:

Barrett; Quintyne, Tierney, Campbell, Hunt; Apter, Djankpata; Ebere, Barker, Heath; Okoronkwo

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Flinders; Gordon, Perch, Hawkins, Wallace; Akins, Maris, Boateng, Oates; Lapslie; Bowery

We say: Everton Under-21s 2-1 Mansfield Town

All things considered, this should prove to be a competitive tie, particularly with Everton's youngsters having shown their potential with a couple of big results in recent matches. While Mansfield will look to impose a certain level of physicality, we feel that the young Toffees could edge a close game.

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