Full details of Thursday’s EFL match release for both the league and the cup
Middlesbrough, Sunderland and the newly promoted Hartlepool United look forward to news of their league and cup fixtures for next season on Thursday.
After the group promotion on Sunday, the EFL, from the championship to Ligue 2, finally took shape with teams just over six weeks from the start of the campaign.
Not only will our local teams know when they face their league opponents, but they will also find out who they face in EFL Cup competitions.
The first round draw for the Carabao Cup and Papa John’s Trophy takes place, with Sunderland looking to defend their title next season. Newcastle’s Under-21s will also be involved in the draw.
Here’s everything you need to know about Thursday …
Championships calendar
Release scheduled for Thursday, June 24 at 9 a.m. for the Championship, League One and League Two. Some dates may change on the opening day of the season to accommodate TV coverage.
The press release will include Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hartlepool United.
Hartlepool United celebrates victory in the National League play-off final. PHOTO: MARK FLETCHER
Carabao Cup
The draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup will take place live on Sky Sports or the EFL’s Twitter channels at 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 24.
A total of 35 matches will be drawn for the first round, which includes the newly promoted Hartlepool United and the debutants of the Sutton United EFL Cup. Middlesbrough and Sunderland will also be in the draw.
Sheffield United will be included, while recently relegated West Bromwich Albion and Fulham will join the competition in the second round alongside Premier League clubs not competing in Europe.
The first round draw will see the teams drawn in the northern and southern sections, with matches scheduled to take place the week of August 9.
Clubs can mutually agree on another date between July 31 and August 4.
Manager Lee Johnson holds the Papa John’s Trophy after Sunderland’s Wembley win over Tranmere Rovers
Papa Jean Trophy
The draw for the first round of the Papa John’s Trophy will take place live on Sky Sports at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24 as Sunderland seek to defend his title. This contest excludes Middlesbrough.
The EFL has invited sixteen U21 Premier League teams which will be placed in their respective groups of the North and South sections, with the 48 EFL clubs being placed in predetermined groups before the draw.
The Premier League teams invited are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United, Leiester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Wolves.
All EFL clubs will play two of their three home matches in the group stage.