Prediction Barrow vs Nottingham Forest U21 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 28/10/2025

Match overview: Northern Group Stage at SO Legal Stadium

The SO Legal Stadium will be buzzing on 28 October as Barrow welcome Nottingham Forest U21 in a clash that promises end-to-end action despite both sides arriving with disappointing group records. This is a fixture laden with pressure: Barrow sit at the foot of the group with zero points, a solitary goal scored and seven conceded, while Nottingham Forest U21 are only marginally better off on paper with three goals for and four against, but likewise stranded on zero points. The referee for the evening is Thomas Parsons, and with only a sliver of group play to turn things around, expect both teams to chase chances rather than sit back.

Barrow arrive having salvaged a late 2-2 draw with Barnet on 25 October, a result that at least showed some fight and provided a morale boost; Wyll Stanway was the standout performer in that game. Their recent domestic form is mixed — a sequence of draws and sporadic wins and losses — but at home Barrow have shown they can create openings, reflected in their shot numbers and a healthy corners average. Conversely, Nottingham Forest U21 have struggled in their fixtures across youth competition and friendlies, slipping to another defeat at Birmingham City U21 just days before. Their run reads as one of missed opportunities: plenty of shots but not enough clinical finishing, and defensive lapses that have cost them.

Tactical expectation and in-game narrative

Both teams present as attack-minded in small samples: Barrow’s home stats show consistent attempts inside the box and a tendency to concede as they push forward, while Nottingham Forest U21 carry a high volume of shots on the road and have registered multiple away games with both teams finding the net. The combination of Barrow’s need to win at home and Nottingham Forest U21’s propensity to shoot — yet leak goals — sets the stage for a lively encounter. With neither side keeping clean sheets recently and both showing a penchant for games that clear the over 2.5 goals mark in their limited group outings, this should be a night where the scoreboard stays busy rather than a cagey tactical stalemate.

Betting suggestion

Given the data, the clearest market to target is the goal market, and the strongest single play is Both Teams to Score — Yes. Both sides have exhibited matches where both nets have been breached, home and away goal data points to frequent mutual scoring, and recent results underline defensive vulnerability. For bettors looking for value without overreaching on an outright result, backing BTTS offers a balanced, data-backed route into this unpredictable group-stage clash.