Forest Green Rovers kick-off their EFL Trophy campaign at home to West Bromwich Albion Academy on Tuesday, October 6.
Rovers share Southern Group E with West Brom Academy, Swindon Town and Exeter City in the EFL Trophy.
Going on to the second round, Mark Cooper’s men are in search of their first three points of the competition as they sit in third, meanwhile, the Baggies are looking to extend their lead on three points.
Form:
Forest Green Rovers – L/W/D/D/D
West Brom Academy – L/W/L/L/W
Team News:
Forest Green Rovers have no new injury concerns, although it is expected to see a mixture of youth and experience. The forward, Shawn McCouklsky could feature and use this game as valuable time as he has struggled since arriving from Bristol City in 2019. With the visible change in formation recently where the 51-year-old has been utilising wingbacks more, there is a possibility the new loan signing, Jayden Richardson will take up that position.
The club’s correspondent for Stroud Journal, Sam Wiles believes Cooper will take the game ‘seriously’ although, their main focus will be in the league where ‘success is in the forefront of his mind.’
“Cooper always likes to win. They’ll take it seriously but winning it probably won’t be the be-all and end-all,” stated Wiles.
With only one win in four encounters for League Two, they remain unbeaten. However, they have shown difficulties in their execution. Last weekend’s home encounter against Walsall saw both teams share a point each, despite the 27 shots from the home side. New signing, Jamille Matt admitted that the end product is what had been holding the team recently. Tomorrow evening is a new opportunity for the Gloucestershire squad to put things right and begin putting their chances to bed.
On the other side, West Brom academy overcome newly-promoted League One outfit, Swindon Town, 3-2 with courtesy of Tyrese Dyce and Tyler Smith before Taylor Gardner-Hickman hit a third.
Meanwhile, the Green Devils have stumbled against Exeter City at St James Park in a 3-2 away loss.
The competition offers beneficial financial rewards for those who win and progress.
Teams receive £20,000 for winning the round-of-32.
£40,000 for achieving the last-16.
£50,000 for reaching the quarter-finals and another £50,000 if they get to the final and lose.
The winners benefit from a £100,000 cheque.
Should the youngsters come away with a third consecutive victory in three, they are guaranteed a place into the next round.
The match will take place at the Innocent Insert Name Stadium in Nailsworth on October 6 with kick-off scheduled for 7 pm.
