Prediction Cardiff City vs Arsenal U21 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 11/11/2025

EFL Trophy preview: Cardiff City host Arsenal U21 at the Cardiff City Stadium

The Southern Group stage of the EFL Trophy brings a curious clash to Cardiff on 11/11/2025 as Cardiff City welcome Arsenal U21 to a packed Cardiff City Stadium. The bookmakers have installed the Bluebirds as favourites at 1.78, reflecting home advantage under referee Richie Watkins and a desire to steady their cup campaign after mixed league form. Cardiff arrive off the back of a heavy 3-1 defeat at Blackpool on 8 November, a game in which Rubin Colwill was the standout despite the loss. Arsenal U21, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Southampton U21 just four days later, with Charles Sagoe Jr earning the plaudits for his performance.

Cardiff’s EFL Trophy record so far is balanced but unspectacular: one win and one loss leaves them fourth in the group on three points. Their underlying data shows a team that creates chances — an average of 119 attacks and 63 dangerous attacks — yet converts inconsistently, with just five shots on target across the group samples and only one goal recorded away from home. Arsenal U21 present a contrasting profile. Their away numbers are eye-catching: 30 total shots with 12 on target and five goals scored away in group play. That attacking verve has been tempered by vulnerability at the back, conceding five goals on the road, making them as dangerous in transition as they are open to conceding.

Tactical edge and what to expect on the night

At home, Cardiff will push for control and will likely attempt to dominate possession and create set-piece opportunities — their corners average sits at 7.5 and they have the capacity to trouble a youthful Arsenal rearguard. Arsenal U21, though, are built for forward momentum; their shot numbers suggest they will not sit back and will look to punish any gaps left by Cardiff’s forward surges. Historically in this narrow dataset, Arsenal’s away matches have seen goals flow, and the EFL Trophy format often encourages open play from academy sides keen to impress.

Given the odds and the statistical split — Cardiff’s home stability versus Arsenal’s attacking output and defensive fragility — this reads as a fixture where both sides have a clear route to the scoresheet. For those refining strategies, the piece should be read alongside broader approaches such as Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets, and for goal market timing, consider advice in The right time to place bets on goal markets.

Betting suggestion: Back Both Teams To Score (Yes). Arsenal U21’s away goal rate and Cardiff’s attacking intent at home make BTTS the most balanced single-market play, with the home favourite tag offering value on a competitive night.