Radhi Jaïdi has been readying his side for tomorrow's trip to Southend United this week, knowing that a win will likely be enough to secure progression to the competition's knockout phases.
Unusually, all Group B competitors are locked on three points apiece, with only goal difference separating the four sides.
Saints enter the tie in good form, but will need much more than a polished performance to outfox Southend's experience at their Roots Hall home, as Jaïdi well knows.
"There's exact points between all four teams, so tomorrow night will be the key," he began.
"The result will decide qualification, but we're still always looking for development.
"These are young players, they need to learn how to play in different environments.
"You need resilience and strong character to make it in this game. You'll face players who are fighting for their careers at this level.
"It's a proper game, this isn't Under-23s football.
"We have a more mature group now. We've shown that this season, but can they translate that outside of an academy environment?
"The EFL are tough leagues, it's a senior environment. So this will be a good reference point for our boys."
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