Prediction Swindon Town vs West Ham United U21 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 28/10/2025

Match context: Southern Group Stage showdown in Swindon

This EFL Trophy night at The Nigel Eady County Ground promises a lively encounter as Swindon Town host West Ham United U21 on 28 October 2025. Both sides arrive with momentum in the group stage — Swindon sit second in the group with three points after a convincing 3-2 aggregate showing in their opener, while West Ham U21 top the table after firing five goals in theirs. The fixture carries an extra competitive edge: a past EFL Trophy meeting back in 2017 produced a 3-2 thriller, a reminder that these clashes seldom deliver a sleepy 0-0. Referee Carl Brook will take charge under the lights in Swindon, where a crowd capacity of 15,728 sets the scene for a raucous atmosphere.

Form guide and recent performances

Swindon’s recent run reads as a mixed but resilient sequence: two draws against Colchester and Notts County sandwich a heavy 4-0 reverse at Accrington, while wins over Newport County and Bromley show they can grind out results. Their latest League Two outing finished 0-0, with Gavin Kilkenny singled out for a bright display in that stalemate. Statistically Swindon’s home data indicates attacking intent — an average of 10 shots with five on target and a corners average near seven — and their group performance so far has included goals in home fixtures.

West Ham U21 arrive with a clear offensive identity. Their string of recent results includes a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa U21 and high-scoring affairs such as a 3-3 draw with Brighton U21 and a 3-1 reverse at Reading. Gabriel Caliste earned top billing in their most recent win, and the underlying numbers tell the story: away matches have produced a flurry of shots (21 total, 12 on target) and six goals on the road in group play. Their matches consistently tilt towards open, end-to-end football with both teams finding the net regularly.

What to expect: an open, goal-tilted encounter

Comparing the silhouettes of both teams, this fixture leans toward attacking battles rather than sterile defensive chess. Swindon’s home averages for attacks and dangerous attacks (66 and 32 respectively) will meet West Ham U21’s higher attacking workload (attacks average 79.5 and dangerous attacks 43). Historical context and the recent string of multi-goal results for both camps suggest this will be a match where chances are created and converted.

Betting suggestion: Goal market — Both teams to score (Yes). The statistical signals are strong: both sides have shown 100% BTTS rates in the sampled fixtures, West Ham U21 have been prolific away and Swindon have produced scoring chances at home. For bettors backing a single market, Both Teams to Score aligns best with the data and the matchup dynamics.