Burton Albion's EFL Trophy campaign begins tomorrow evening with Nottingham Forest Under-21s visiting the Pirelli Stadium for matchday one. The fixture kicks off at 19:00 on Tuesday 22 September 2026.

The Brewers have been drawn in Northern Group F alongside the young Reds, Grimsby Town and Notts County. Head Coach Gary Bowyer's side have won their opening EFL Trophy match in each of the past four consecutive seasons and will look to extend that record.

Albion's Squad Update

Burton retained their unbeaten home start to the Sky Bet League One season with a 2-2 draw against Mansfield Town on Saturday. Deji Oshilaja's own goal and Jack Armer's second goal of the season gave Albion a two-goal advantage, but Mansfield fought back to earn a point.

Toby Sibbick will not be available after reaching 50 appearances for the club last weekend — he now heads on international duty with Uganda. Other current absentees are Finn Delap (knee), George Evans (illness), Joe Lewis (toe), Gbemi Arubi (knee), Mark O'Mahony (toe) and Ciaran Gilligan.

With a long trip to Plymouth coming this weekend, academy players could get first-team opportunities. Last season's EFL Trophy campaign saw eight academy players make their debuts for the Brewers.

Forest's Strong Form

Nottingham Forest under-21s arrive off the back of two wins in their Premier League 2 campaign last week. Ethan Broomes scored in a 1-0 win against Burnley on Monday, before Shakur Samuels (two goals) and Kayne Bradshaw's late strike secured a 3-1 win away at West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

Dylan Malicheff's side have picked up nine points from their first four PL2 outings and sit in sixth position despite being level on points with Manchester United in third — their 5-1 opening-day defeat to Sunderland affects their goal difference.

Midfielder Grady McDonnell will miss the trip after being called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21s squad for the first time. Forward Jimmy Sinclair, 20, could feature — he made two Europa League appearances for Forest's first team last season.

Match Details

Tickets are only available in the Carling South Stand at a fixed price of £10 for adults and £5 for anyone aged 17 and under.