Colchester United and Arsenal Under-21s both know that avoiding defeat could be enough to secure their place in the EFL Trophy knockout rounds.

Colchester

Arsenal U21

Match Stats

Colchester United, still seeking their first major EFL Trophy success since finishing as runners-up in 1996-97, began their campaign with a 2-1 win over MK Dons. However, they missed the chance to top the group in their second match, drawing with Leyton Orient but losing out in the penalty shootout. Currently second in Group E, Colchester's fate remains in their hands: a win would guarantee top spot, while a draw and a penalty shootout win could also see them finish first.

Despite being two points ahead of MK Dons and Leyton Orient, Colchester are struggling for form. A 1-1 draw at Barrow extended their winless run to nine games, and they sit 21st in League Two, just above the relegation zone.

Arsenal's Under-21s also had a missed opportunity in their second match, despite a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient. They fought back from two goals down against MK Dons but lost in a penalty shootout after missing their first three attempts. Still top of Group E, Arsenal are in control of their knockout stage destiny but are in poor form, having lost four of their last five matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in Premier League 2.