First-half goals from Jordan Hallam and Tyler Smith gave Sheffield United a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town and boosted their hopes of qualifying from Group E.
Smith set up Hallam for the 11th minute opener and then doubled the lead himself on 33 minutes.
Aston Villa top the group with nine points, three ahead of Sheffield United, in third, who are only behind second-placed Ipswich on goal difference.
The top two teams qualify for the knockout stages.
See: Ipswich report | Sheff Utd report
Next fixtures
Ipswich: 25 Jan v West Brom (A) PL Cup
Sheff Utd: 15 Feb v West Brom (H) PL Cup
