Olly Lee’s Under-21s return to action on Wednesday night as they host Bristol City (7pm KO), knowing a victory would see them move top of Group G in the Premier League Cup.
The Canaries will be looking to build on Friday night’s impressive comeback victory over West Ham, with Luke Towler and Elliot Myles both scoring braces in a 4-2 win over the Hammers.
Attention now turns to cup action, with City having won both of their opening group fixtures against Exeter City and Reading. A third consecutive victory would see them leapfrog Wednesday’s opponents into top spot.
The Competition So Far
Bristol City currently lead Group G, level on six points with Norwich but having played one game more. Both sides boast a goal difference of +3, making Wednesday’s meeting an opportunity for the Canaries to take control of the group.
Group G Standings
| NAME | PLD | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol City Under-21s | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Norwich City Under-21s | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Exeter City Under-21s | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Reading Under-21s | 3 | -6 | 0 |
City began their Premier League Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Exeter City, with Elliot Myles, Rueben Cooper and Finlay Corke all finding the net in Devon.
They followed that up with another three points against Reading earlier this month. Myles and Corke were again on the scoresheet, alongside a Matt Rowley own goal, as Lee’s side secured a 3-2 win to make it two victories from two.
The Opposition
Bristol City will be aiming to maintain their position at the summit of Group G, having won two of their opening three fixtures.
The Robins started their campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Reading in August, taking advantage of the Royals being reduced to ten men shortly after half-time to score three second-half goals.
Louis Carey’s side then made it two wins from two against Reading in the reverse fixture. Goals from substitute Naylor and Elijah Morrison put Bristol City in control, and although Schofield Lonmeni reduced the deficit with ten minutes remaining, the Robins held on to claim all three points.
However, the group leaders suffered their first defeat in their most recent outing, losing 5-3 to Exeter City at the start of the month.
With both sides level on points and Norwich holding a game in hand, Wednesday’s meeting presents Lee’s side with the chance to take top spot and strengthen their position in the competition.
Louis Carey’s young Robins tasted defeat for the first time in the PL Professional Development League on Sunday, falling 3-1 against Queens Park Rangers.
The result leaves Bristol City sitting fourth, six points off leaders Bolton Wanderers after seven games.