EFL Cup

No different than before.


Or do you mean the EFL Trophy, aka the Checkatrade Trophy?

Possibly, it seems certain clubs can enter an U23's team.

The latter is a competition for League 1 and 2 clubs, better known as the Johnstone Paint Trophy.
Since last season it has allowed 16 academy teams to enter - Chelsea, West Ham and Southampton among last years academy sides.


It starts with a regionalised group stage. 4 teams a group, play each other once.
Top two go through into round two, which remains regionalised but is now knockout.

From round it becomes a free draw, rather than regioned.

The academies didn't fare brilliantly last season. Chelsea finished bottom of a group including Exeter, Oxford and Swindon.
West Ham finished 3rd in their group, losing 4-2 to Coventry and 3-0 to Wycombe.

Swansea were the only academy side to make the quarters, losing to eventual winners Coventry on penalties.

Cheers, DJ.

The one competition the lower league sides have to themselves and a chance to get to Wembley and the big sides get to try and spoil it. Hopefully the league sides keep winning it.

Shaun spot on.