Spurs’ Under 21 side will look to continue their perfect start to the season later today (the game starts at 19:30pm), when they face League Two side Colchester United in their first group-stage fixture of the 2023/24 EFL Trophy, at the Colchester Community Stadium. Wayne Burnett’s Spurs side have won all of their games so far this season, but they will be facing a senior side later today, for the first time in a competitive match this season. The EFL Trophy always provides Spurs’ Under 21 side with great experience of playing against senior sides, and this edition of the competition will be no different for the Spurs Academy players. Spurs’ Under 21 side have met Colchester United before in this competition, at the same venue in 2019. That game finished 1-1, with Spurs gaining the extra point that day on penalties, which is how the game will finish if both teams are level after 90 minutes. Look out for former Spurs Academy player Chay Cooper on Tuesday evening, if he is involved. The skilful winger now plays for Colchester United, although the 21 year old hasn’t featured for the Colchester United first team so far this season. This will be a great game of football and a real test for the Spurs Under 21 side. I wish them all the very best of luck for the game.

My predicted lineup: (4-3-3) Keeley, Ashcroft, Phillips, Dorrington, Robson, Lyons-Foster (c), Craig, Donley, Soonsup-Bell, Lankshear, Santiago.

Substitutes from: Gunter, McKnight, Sayers, Andiyapan, Cassanova, Kyerematen, Akhamrich. 

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Previous meeting: 1-1 (Spurs won the extra point on penalties).

My score prediction: Spurs 2-1.

My one to watch: Chay Cooper (21). The highly skilful and creative former Spurs Academy player has already featured for the Colchester United first team on occasions in the past, and also scored for them.