Cambridge United to face Arsenal side in the EFL Trophy

Cambridge United will welcome an Arsenal side to the Abbey Stadium in the EFL Trophy this season.

In a competition much maligned by U’s supporters, they have been placed in a group that includes Arsenal under-21s.

The cup is split into north and south sections, and teams had been placed into groups to keep it as regional as possible.

United were put into Group H, alongside rivals Peterborough United and Northampton Town. A draw was then made on Friday to place the Premier League and Championship invited clubs, whose involvement is a bone of contention for many fans.

The Gunners were plucked out to join the U’s in a season which has seen them promote a number of youngsters who would otherwise be eligible for the under-21s into their first team, including Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Emile Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.

The first ties will be played in the week commencing September 2.

The second set of group matches will be played in the week commencing October 7, with the third in the week of November 11.