EFL Trophy North Third Round Preview 2018

Eight teams remain in this season’s EFL Trophy Northern draw, with clubs from League One, League Two and some of the controversially included U21 teams, eyeing up a Wembley visit to try and land the title.

Bury v Fleetwood Town

Bury have lost six straight games in the league and have failed to score a single goal in the process. The last time they found the net was at the start of December, when they beat Walsall 2-1 in this trophy. Fleetwood sit midtable in League One and pulled off a superb 0-0 result with Leicester City in the FA Cup on Saturday. The two sides met at the end of December in the league, with Fleetwood coming away from Bury with a 2-0 win.

Oldham v Leicester U21

Oldham have moved themselves away from the League One relegation zone, and are enjoying a good run in the EFL Trophy. Having got through their group with 2 wins and a draw, the Latics went on to beat Bradford City to secure their place in the third-round. They welcome a Leicester development team who defeated Scunthorpe away in the previous round, having previously squeezed through their group. Oldham will fancy their chances of making experience count and make it through.

Rochdale v Lincoln City

League One Rochdale host League Two Lincoln at Spotland, with Dale struggling at the wrong end of their division. Lincoln are enjoying a successful season back in the football league, and currently occupy a play-off place. Rochdale defeated Doncaster 2-1 in the previous round, whilst Lincoln won at 3-2 at Accrington. The Imps are full of confidence and could record another excellent away win to progress.

Shrewsbury Town v Blackpool

Shrewsbury, fresh from an impressive 0-0 draw with West Ham in the FA Cup, welcome Blackpool to the New Meadow. The Shrews are enjoying an excellent season, sitting second in League One, whilst Blackpool, in the same division, sit in mid-table. Shrewsbury defeated Port Vale 2-1 in the previous round, whilst Blackpool were 2-1 winners at Mansfield. If Shrewsbury are not too distracted by their promotion hopes and FA Cup involvement, they should be too good for the Tangerines.

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