Pompey will play Crystal Palace U21s in the group stages of the 2021/22 Papa John's Trophy. The Premier League side's youngsters were drawn into Southern Group B, which already contained the Blues, AFC Wimbledon and EFL newcomers Sutton. Pompey will take on the Eagles and one of the other clubs at Fratton Park, while also having one away fixture as they battle for a place in the knock-out stages. Kenny Jackett guided the Blues to EFL Trophy glory with a memorable penalty shoot-out victory over Sunderland in 2019, but the Blues were defeated by Salford in the delayed 2020 showpiece.
Pompey can confirm the dates for their three matches in Southern Group B of the Papa John’s Trophy. Danny Cowley’s side will make the trip to Plough Lane for the opening contest with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, September 7. Fratton fixtures then follow against Sutton on Tuesday, October 12 and Crystal Palace U21s on Tuesday, November 16. All three of the games kick-off at 7.45pm and ticket information will be announced in due course. The top two sides in each group will advance to the knockout stages of the competition, which was won by Pompey in 2018/19. Date ...............................Opponent ....................Kick-Off Tuesday, September 7 .....AFC Wimbledon (A)..... 7.45pm Tuesday, October 12 ........Sutton (H) ....................7.45pm Tuesday, November 16 ....Crystal Palace U21 (H) 7.45pm
