The EFL Trophy is reaching the conclusion of the group stage matches, which means the stakes have truly been raised as teams clamber to make it to the knockout stages.

This fixture between Cheltenham Town and Chelsea Under-21's is no exception to this, as the Blues will be looking to consolidate top spot in Southern Group E on Tuesday evening, meanwhile the Robins are unable to progress.

  • Team news

This Blues side have played a consistent line-up throughout the opening two group games and are mainly dependant on which personnel are involved in the first-team squad for the EFL Cup clash with Southampton.

It's likely that they'll be able to field a full-strength line-up, but with all players fit this could potentially cause headaches for manager Andy Myers

Cheltenham club captain Will Boyle had a setback on his road to recovery after tearing a ligament in the back of his ankle, the skipper will be out for four to six weeks.

Fellow centre-back Charlie Raglan also suffered a block on his return to the first-team squad, with manager Michael Duff stating that the former Oxford United and Port Vale man will need to see a specialist.

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  • Predicted lineups

Cheltenham Town:

(4-1-2-1-2) Evans, Horton, Armitage, Freestone, Hussey, Barkers, Miles, Bonds, Crowley, Norton, Williams

Chelsea Under 21's:

(3-4-3) Sharman-Lowe, Brooking, Mbuyamba, Gilchrist, Rankine, Baker, Simons, Nunn, Webster, Vale, Fiabema

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  • Form guide

Although Chelsea's Under-21 side is mainly a development side for youngsters coming through the academy, Myers' outfit currently sit on top of Southern Group E after drawing and winning one.

The youngsters drew with Exeter City in their group opener but picked up the bonus point after winning that game on penalties. 

Myers' side beat Bristol Rovers in their previous EFL Trophy encounter after a Lewis Baker winner secured all three points for the Blues. 

Cheltenham host the Under-21's at Whaddon Road unable to progress into the knockout round.

However, the Robins will be looking to pick up their first win in the competition after suffering a draw but also losing in a shootout against Exeter last time out at home.

Duff's side haven't impressed so far in the competition and due to injury issues within the first-team squad, they've found themselves heavily relying on youngsters in the competition, meaning they haven't been able to better last season's round two exit.

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  • One's to watch

Felix Miles - Cheltenham Town

Felix Miles bagged his first Cheltenham goal against Exeter City in the same competition after a calm finish.

The youth team prospect has been on loan at Evesham United after impressing during summer friendlies for the Robins.

The youngster is likely to pick up another valuable first-team appearance following a good performance in the previous round of EFL Trophy fixtures.

Bryan Fiabema - Chelsea Under 21's

Bryan Fiabema is widely seen as a big prospect within the Chelsea youth ranks, with the youngster bagging his first goal in the competition during the only appearance he's made so far against Bristol Rovers.

The Norway Under-18 international plays for the Under 21 and Under 23's outfits and has been in fine form for both, picking up three goals in his last three appearances for the Chelsea Under 23's.

The 18-year-old added to his tally again on Saturday in a 1-1 draw against Leicester City Under 23's.

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  • How to watch

The game is available to watch live on Cheltenham Town's iFollow page after purchasing a match pass on the site, which includes live audio, video and also post-match highlights.

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