Accrington ST vs Salford City Predictions

Accrington ST come into this EFL Trophy tie on a run of two consecutive draws, having scored in four of their last five and conceded in all but one. Their only group match so far ended 3-3 with Sunderland U21, underlining the volatility in their defensive setup. Salford City, meanwhile, have shown more attacking consistency, averaging 2.0 goals per game across their last five and picking up three wins in that span. Both sides have yet to keep a clean sheet in this season's competition, and neither has failed to score in group play.

Statistically, the matchup points to a high-goal environment. Accrington's last five have averaged 2.8 goals per game, and their shot volume (10.4 per match, 3.8 on target) is solid for this level. Salford's attack is even more productive, generating 15 shots and 5.4 on target per game, while their defensive numbers (1.2 conceded per match in the last five) are only marginally better than Accrington's. Both teams have a tendency to start quickly—each has scored four or more first-half goals in their last five, and BTTS has landed in four of Accrington's last five and three of Salford's.

The model expects both teams to find the net, with neither defence likely to keep a clean sheet given recent concession rates and the head-to-head trend of goals at both ends. The likeliest scenario is a draw with multiple goals, as neither side's underlying rates or recent form suggest a clear edge. Expect a statistically open contest, with the most probable scoreline a 2-2 draw.