Wolves under-21s’ EFL Trophy fixtures confirmed

27th August 2020

Two of Wolves under-21s’ 2020/21 EFL Trophy Northern Group F fixtures against Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers have been confirmed.

James Collins’ side are one of 16 invited Academy teams to join the 48 clubs in League One and League Two who will make up the competition this year.

As an Academy side, Wolves will play all their matches in this season’s competition away from home, with the date and kick-off time of the first group match against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park still yet to be finalised due to international call-ups, and will be announced in due course.

The under-21s head to the Utilita Energy Stadium to face Bradford on Tuesday 6^th October, before finishing their group stage matches away at the Keepmoat Stadium when they take on League One Doncaster on Tuesday 10^th November – both of these ties are due to kick-off at 7.30pm.

2020/21 EFL Trophy dates:

Matchday 1: TBC vs Oldham Athletic
Matchday 2: 6^th October vs Bradford City
Matchday 3: 10^th November vs Doncaster Rovers
Round of 32: 8/9^th December
Round of 16: 12/13^th January
Quarter-finals: 2/3^rd February
Semi-finals: 16/17^th February
Final: 14^th March

EFL Trophy factfile:

Group stages

16 groups of four teams
Each group to contain one invited team
Groups formed to minimise overall travel for EFL clubs and fans
Invited under-21 teams to play all group games away
Clubs will be awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw
In the event of a drawn game after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be held with the victorious team gaining an extra point
Top two clubs qualify from each group

Knockout rounds

Round two will remain regionalised with group winners at home against a second placed team from a different qualifying group
Round three will remain regionalised
Quarter-finals will be drawn without geographical restriction (no regionalisation)
If scores are level after 90 minutes, all knockout rounds will be decided by penalties except for the final, which will have extra-time and then penalties

Player criteria

Six of the 11 players in the starting line-up need to be under-21 at 30^th June this year
There can be no more than two players who are over 21 and have made more than 40 appearances for the first team (either in the starting 11 or as a playing substitute) as of 30^th June
Players who are out on loan are ineligible for this competition
Top two clubs qualify from each group
It is not possible to appear for more than one club in the tournament, so the cup-tied rule applies.

Wolves’ competition history