Blackpool’s potential EFL Trophy opponents include an under-21’s side from the Premier League.
The group stage of the 2023/24 EFL Trophy has been completed, and now Blackpool know who they could play in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Blackpool’s group was wrapped up last week as they beat Morecambe 2-1 to secure top spot, finishing ahead of Liverpool’s under-23’s, the Shrimpers and Barrow. Liverpool’s age-grade team finished second, as one of five under-21 teams from the Premier League to make it through.
As a reward for finishing top of their group, the Tangerines have earned a home match at Bloomfield Road in the Round of 32. Several members of the first-team squad haven’t played at Wembley Stadium, and that was the carrot that Neil Critchley dangled in front of his players at the start of the campaign.
Blackpool have seven potential opponents, including local rivals Fleetwood Town. One match which would be of intrigue is Nottingham Forest’s U21’s who are the only Premier League team available to Blackpool in the draw. Out of the seven teams, five of them play in League One, and only Stockport County ply their trade in League Two.
Blackpool’s potential EFL Trophy opponents
- Port Vale
- Nottingham Forest U21
- Fleetwood Town
- Stockport County
- Barnsley
- Lincoln City
- Burton Albion
