By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa will face Carlisle United, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town in Group A of the EFL Trophy.

 

The club will field an under-21 side in the competition for the second time, having made our debut in the competition last season.

 

The draw was made on Tuesday afternoon, with Villa being put into the Northern section.

 

A 2-0 defeat against Salford City and a 2-1 loss to Tranmere Rovers saw the Young Lions exit last season’s tournament early, with their final group game being cancelled after Bury were expelled from the competition.

 

Matchday one will take place on 8/9 September, matchday two on 6/7 October and matchday three on 10/11 November.

 

Should the Villans progress, they will feature in the round of 32 on 8/9 December.