In order for 32 teams to participate in Round Three, when the nine top-flight clubs taking part in European football enter the competition, the Preliminary Round will take place to reduce the number of teams in Round One, and subsequently Round Two, from which there will be 23 winners.
This scenario occurred last season, when promoted clubs Barnet and Oldham Athletic faced League Two sides Newport County and Accrington Stanley, respectively.
Should the format remain the same, Dale, York City, Tranmere Rovers and Crawley Town will take part in this season’s Preliminary Round.
Confirmation of this, along with how the ties will be decided and on what date(s), will be provided by the EFL in due course.
Round One of the Carabao Cup is set to take place on the weekend of Saturday 8th August, a week before our League Two campaign gets underway.
The above is worth factoring into your diaries, especially for those that prefill dates with the friendlies, which will be announced once agreed.
Other key diary d dates for our EFL return can be found HERE.