Prediction Rotherham United vs Manchester City U21 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 28/10/2025

Match preview: An enticing cup night at AESSEAL New York Stadium

Rotherham United welcome Manchester City U21 to the AESSEAL New York Stadium on 28 October 2025 with momentum clearly on the side of the hosts. Rotherham arrive fresh from a hard-fought 1-0 League One victory at Barnsley on 25 October, a run that has seen them string together a series of positive results across competitions. The Millers sit with three points from two group games in the Northern Group Stage and will lean on the confidence of recent wins at home to press their advantage in front of a near 12,000 crowd under referee Jamie O’Connor.

Manchester City U21, meanwhile, are a handful of talented youngsters capable of quick, incisive attacking play; their group numbers show five goals scored from two matches and an appetite for open football. However, they arrive off the back of a 2-0 reversal against Blackburn Rovers U21 and will need to steady the ship to contend with Rotherham’s determined, physical approach in a one-off cup setting.

Form and tactical clues: where the game might be won

The statistical sketch points toward an entertaining tie. Rotherham have been active in attack — registering 26 total shots with 6 on target across their recent sample — and they average around 67.5 attacking moves per game with dangerous attacks near the mid-50s. Manchester City U21 match that intent with a slightly higher attacking average (78.5) and a superior shots-on-target return (12 from 24 total shots), suggesting they create clear opportunities when in rhythm.

Defensively, both teams have shown vulnerabilities. Rotherham conceded three goals across their group outings, while City’s U21s have shipped four. Corners and fouls suggest the physical tempo will be significant: the hosts averaging five corners and committing more fouls than their visitors, who carry a cleaner disciplinary record but have been prone to defensive lapses.

Historically there is a striking EFL Trophy meeting on record where Rotherham thrashed City U21 5-0 back in 2021; while that result is dated, it indicates the fixture can open up dramatically. Recent formlines show Rotherham on a high domestically and City U21 oscillating between impressive attacking displays and inconsistent defensive moments.

Betting suggestion

Given the attacking profiles, recent scoring records and both sides’ tendency to concede, the best market to target is the goals market: Both Teams To Score — Yes. This selection aligns with Rotherham’s forward intent at home and Manchester City U21’s capacity to both create and concede chances, making a lively, goal-populated cup night the most likely outcome.