Colchester United v Arsenal U21: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Colchester United and Arsenal U21 are both on four points heading into their final game in EFL Trophy Southern Group E on Tuesday.

The U's beat MK Dons 2-1 before losing on penalties to Leyton Orient after a 1-1 draw, while the pool-leading Gunners were too good in their 2-1 victory against Orient before losing to the Dons via spot-kicks following a 2-2 tie after 90 minutes.

With both the Dons and O's knowing a win for either in their meeting in Buckinghamshire could take them through, there is plenty to play for in this game at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Both teams to score has landed in each of Colchester's and Arsenal U21s' EFL Trophy games and it promises to be an all-action affair by the A12.

Colchester United v Arsenal U21 betting tips and predictions

Colchester to win and both teams to score - 12/5

Colchester sit 21st in League Two but will have been boosted by their late equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Barrow.

The U's haven't won any of their nine games since beating Tranmere 3-0 on 21st September but this looks like a chance to get back on track against Arsenal's U21 side, who went down 2-1 at Chelsea U21 in their last fixture on 1st November.

The young Gunners did beat Blackburn U21 4-3 in their penultimate outing, but they had been on the wrong end of the result in their three before that - if counting the shootout setback at MK Dons as an a out-and-out defeat.

They have scored exactly twice in their two EFL Trophy matches so far - it is 11/4 for that to happen again on Tuesday - but they may struggle to reach that tally and Colchester could get the job done.

Arsenal U21 to score first - 11/8

Colchester are the favourites but their habit of conceding goals first means it may not be straightforward. They have gone behind in both EFL Trophy games this term and did so again at Barrow.

In contrast, Arsenal U21s have taken the lead in three of their last four fixtures and could start fast in Essex.

Arsenal U21 have real firepower, with their tally of four goals the best in Southern Group E. Meanwhile, the U's two conceded is the best of the bunch in the pool.

Still, this young Arsenal side often start well and could break the deadlock on Tuesday, while the hosts are 6/1 to win from behind and go through.

Both teams to score in the first half - 11/4

If Arsenal U21 open the scoring, Colchester could hit back quickly and both teams to score in the first half is a tempting price.

All four goals in the Gunners' 2-2 at MK Dons came before the break and it was subsequently 1-1 at the interval against Blackburn U21 and Chelsea U21.

The half-time scoreline was also 1-1 in Colchester's 2-1 win over MK Dons and the price on both teams to score after 45 minutes is incredibly tempting, while the 1-1 correct score at the break is available at 13/2.

With all that in mind, anticipating the hosts to win 2-1, the scoreline they have lost their last two home games by, is 8/1.

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Colchester United v Arsenal U21 odds

Colchester - 9/10
Draw - 13/5
Arsenal U21 - 23/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.