Prediction Cambridge United vs Brighton U21 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 23/09/2025

Match preview — context and form

Cambridge United welcome Brighton U21 to the Abbey Stadium on 23/09/2025 in the EFL Trophy Southern Group Stage, and the early group picture makes this fixture feel like a must-win for the home side. Cambridge sit third in the group with three points from two matches, their scoring record showing five goals for and four conceded, while Brighton U21 are rooted to fourth with two defeats and zero points. The referee appointed is Alan Young and the Abbey Stadium’s compact atmosphere — capacity listed at 8,127 — will favour the hosts, who have shown the ability to find the net in recent outings.

What the recent results say

Cambridge arrive on the back of a convincing 3-0 FA Cup win over Chester, a result that followed mixed league form but demonstrated the home side’s capacity to hit higher gears. Their last five results contain wins and losses but an attacking pulse is evident: Cambridge’s two group matches saw a combined five goals scored, and home-team metrics show nine shots on target out of 25 total efforts, an average of 12.5 shots per match that signals nagging pressure in the final third. Brighton U21, by contrast, cannot boast wins in their recent sequence. They drew 2-2 with Leeds United U21 most recently but have lost two group matches and conceded four goals in those games. Their away metrics show a decent shots-on-target ratio — seven on target from 12 total — yet the side have failed to convert that into returns in the EFL Trophy group.

The numbers point to a clash where Cambridge should be favored. Home performances show openness in both boxes: both teams to score has occurred in half of Cambridge’s home games and Brighton’s away matches indicate both teams finding the net in their away fixtures. Still, the bookmakers’ market is emphatic: Cambridge are quoted around 1.29 for victory, a reflection of form, venue and the gulf in group standings.

Tactical edge and in-game expectations

Expect Cambridge to press advantage early, using an active attacking approach at Abbey Stadium to capitalise on Brighton’s youth side, which have not yet found consistency in this competition. Set-piece and corner averages lean towards the hosts — Cambridge average around 5.5 corners — and that could be a channel for goals. Brighton’s attack numbers show a higher average of overall attacks but fewer dangerous entries relative to Cambridge, suggesting the visitors may probe but struggle to turn pressure into clear-cut chances.

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Betting suggestion Given Cambridge’s clear home advantage, recent goal threat and the market’s probability pricing, the best single pick in the 1X2 market is to back Cambridge United to win. The price around 1.29 reflects a strong favorite but aligns with form and venue; stake accordingly and consider modest sizing due to the low-return nature of the pick.