The curtain falls on the regular Premier League 2 season tonight as Everton U21s host Ipswich Town at the historic Goodison Park. For the Young Blues, this final fixture is about pride and momentum, having narrowly missed the cut for the top-16 playoffs that determine the league champion.

Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm BST this Friday evening, offering fans a chance to see the next generation of talent on the famous pitch one last time this campaign.

Despite a challenging run of form that has seen them slip to 22nd in the 29-team table, a victory tonight could see Everton climb at least two places. While the playoff dream is over, a strong finish is crucial for building confidence and setting a positive tone for the development of these promising players.

Looking ahead, teams finishing between 17th and 24th, like Everton, will enter a separate promotion playoff next season against the top sides from the Professional Development League, football's second tier for U21 academies. This structure ensures competitive pathways for all developing talents, making every match a valuable learning experience for the future stars of the game.