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Papa Johns Trophy

Preview: The Quarter-Finals

The Road to Wembley continues on Tuesday night!

31 January 2021

Just eight teams remain in this season's Papa John's Trophy, with a spot in the Semi-Finals up for grabs when the competition resumes in midweek.

That's right, the Quarter-Finals are upon us, with each of the ties set to be played on Tuesday 2 February. Here's a closer look at what's in store...

Tranmere Rovers v Peterborough United

In-form Tranmere Rovers are flying the flag for Sky Bet League Two in this season's Papa John's Trophy, having finished second in Northern Group D before seeing off Manchester City U21s and Leicester City U21s to reach the last eight. Next, they're up against Peterborough United, who are led by a man who has won this competition twice as a manager already. Darren Ferguson's men are well and truly in the Sky Bet League One promotion mix, and will have their sights set on silverware too, having beaten Portsmouth in the last round.

Oxford United v AFC Wimbledon

Oxford United will be hoping to carry their incredible recent form in the league into the Papa John's Trophy, when they take on fellow Sky Bet League One side AFC Wimbledon. Finalists in both 2016 and 2017, the U's know a thing or two about getting past this stage, but AFC Wimbledon will fancy their chances too, having knocked out Arsenal U21s and Bristol Rovers. Oxford have won each of the last four competitive meetings between the sides, but this will be the first time they've faced off in this competition. Who will come out on top in this all-League One clash?

MK Dons v Sunderland AFC

Another battle between two Sky Bet League One sides sees 2019 Finalists Sunderland AFC travel south to take on MK Dons. The home side will be looking for a repeat of their 2-1 league win over Sunderland in November - their first-ever victory over the Black Cats - but it's Lee Johnson's men who will be the favourites to progress here. Sunderland's high-scoring road to the Quarters has included wins over Oldham Athletic and Port Vale, while MK Dons have knocked out Norwich City U21s and Northampton Town en route to the last eight.

Hull City v Lincoln City

Arguably the tie of the round comes at the KCOM Stadium, where Hull City will go head-to-head with Lincoln City. Currently second and first in Sky Bet League One at the time of writing, this promises to be a fixture full of quality, between two sides that will have targeted the Trophy from the off in 2020/21. Hull's incredible comeback victory over Fleetwood Town in the last round will have them buoyed, and Lincoln will be brimming with confidence too, after registering 22 shots and four goals against Accrington Stanley in Round Three.

Follow @PapaJohnsTrophy on Twitter for more build-up.


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