Checkatrade are the new sponsors of the competition, taking over Johnstones Paint whom had an association with the competition for ten years. For the first time Premier League Academy sides have been allowed to enter the competition, and this new format will see the first round of games competed as a group stage. The Blades will also face Walsall and Grimsby Town in the early round.
After making an unexpected failed start to the new 2016/17 season, Sheffield United finally claimed their first victory of the season last Saturday, and against Chris Wilder's former club Oxford United. It was however it typical style, having to come from a goal down. The win though was enough to take United out of the bottom four and will hope to improve on this result when they travel to Gillingham on Sunday.
Sheffield United got their first win of the season as goals from Billy Sharp and James Wilson cancelled out a Kane Hemmings opener to give them a 2-1 victory over Oxford United. Oxford took the lead through Hemmings in the 16th minute after United keeper Simon Moore could only parry a long-range Liam Sercombe into the path of the onrushing striker. United looked for a reply and Kieron Freeman was unlucky to see his effort deflect over the bar after a mazy run and pass by Mark Duffy.
Matt Done then had a low drive from inside the area pushed away by a strong Simon Eastwood hand. In the 52nd minute, a first-time effort from John Lundstram from the edge of the box was parried away by Moore after a clever free-kick routine by the visitors.
United equalised in the 65th minute as Sharp buried a Matt Done cross from close range. And the home side then took the lead as an in-swinging free-kick by Duffy was headed in by Wilson with 17 minutes remaining.
Chris Wilder will likely to be named the same side which beat the U's last weekend. Under competition rules, the Blades must field their strongest XI were possible; 'Each EFL Club shall play its full available strength in and during all Matches. The League will from time to time issue a policy as to what constitutes 'full available strength' - A full explanation of the rules can be found at; www.efl.com/global/trophyrules.aspx. The Blades are currently without any injuries.
The current Premier League holders Academy side have yet to claim a victory thus far this season. They lost 4-1 on the opening day to Everton U23's, and followed this up with a 3-2 defeat to Sunderland U23's - both at home. In their last fixture, played on 15th August, they lost by a single goal to Manchester United U23's.
As far as the rules are concerned for Leicester City Under-23's, they will be able to field all of their younger players.
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