Dale are set to take part in their first EFL Trophy match in just shy of four years!
Our first group game sees us take on Liverpool Under-21s, who also kick-off their new campaign. On 20th September 2022, Dale faced the same opponents, winning 1-0.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Tickets for the game are on sale up until kick-off, at a reduced rate.
Click HERE to purchase.
MATCHDAY GUIDE
Our Matchday Guide provides you a detailed look into what you can expect at the stadium.
Click HERE to read through in more detail.
COMPETITON RULES
As for all EFL Trophy group games, if the match is level after 90 minutes there will be a penalty shootout. The winners will gain an extra point.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Should you not be with us in-person, the game can be watched live on Sky Sports +.
Click HERE to access Dale Player, taking you through the action with live audio commentary. Monthly and yearly passes are available.
TEAM NEWS
It is unlikely that Ian Watson will welcome any injured players back for Tuesday’s game.
Devante Rodney, Sam Beckwith and Bryant Bilongo are all nearing a return but remain on the sidelines.
Ryan East, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Casey Pettit and Will Jenkins are the long-term absentees.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Liverpool Under-21s are entering their eighth EFL Trophy campaign, having first featured in the 2019/20 season. They have only managed to escape the group phase once which came in the 2023/24 campaign. Their 3-0 victory at Morecambe was enough to secure passage through to the last-32, where they were beaten at Bradford City. The Premier League two side were in Dale’s group in back-to-back years, with a 5-0 scoreline in Dale’s favour across the games at the Crown Oil Arena. After a tricky end to the last season, Liverpool have started well this time out with two wins and a draw from the opening four and come into this one having put five past Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Manager – Rob Page (52yo, appointed June 2025). The former Wales international manager took over in the Reds’ academy last summer, guiding them to a seventh-placed finish. His side lost out in the end-of-season playoffs to Crystal Palace on penalties. The Welshman already has academy experience working with Port Vale and worked his way up before a first managerial job at Northampton Town.
Last Game – Liverpool U21s 5-1 Brighton U21s (2′ Sonni-Lambie, 11′ Laffey, 24′ 50′ Wright, 66′ Own Goal)
Top League Goalscorer (2026/27) – Will Wright (5).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
One man that Dale fans remember fondly from his 2005/06 spell is striker Rickie Lambert, netting 22 goals in 50 appearances.
He joined Premier League side Liverpool in 2014 for £4m before moving to West Bromwich Albion.
Other players to have put on blue and red are Andy Lonergan, Joe Rafferty and MJ Williams.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 2
Rochdale Wins – 2
Draws – 0
Liverpool U21s Wins – 0
Most recent matchup – Dale 1-0 Liverpool Under-21s (20th September 2022).
First ever matchup – Dale 4-0 Liverpool Under-21s (31st August 2021).
OFFICIALS
Referee | Gareth Thomas.
Assistants | Thomas Cooke & Mark Dwyer.
Fourth Official | Joshua Bramall.
