Sunderland found Wembley a tough place to visit last season, falling at the final hurdle in the play-off final having already been beaten in the EFL Trophy.
They were beaten by Portsmouth in the final back in April, a result that seemed to derail their promotion push. They struggled to find form due to a packed fixture list, courtesy of their cup run.
Today, they’ve found out their group stage opponents, with Lincolnshire duo Grimsby and Scunthorpe once again due to line up against the Black Cats. Their ‘invited’ Under 21 opponents won’t be confirmed just yet, but it seems that’s not something that’s going to unduly worry Sunderland fans.
They’ve flocked to Twitter to express their opinions on the competition, which are not at all positive. It may have given them a day at Wembley last season, but many credit their ultimate failure to get back in the Championship to the EFL Trophy.
That’s why it seems news of today’s draw is not being warmly received at all.
https://twitter.com/Jam_Sarny/status/1148581994403717120
https://twitter.com/adamreeek/status/1148584627726094336
https://twitter.com/SR5andahalf/status/1148583188945678336
https://twitter.com/ChrisCoulyacker/status/1148580967667441666
https://twitter.com/StephenStubbs5/status/1148581895069929478
https://twitter.com/Adamdoran97/status/1148583096234762241
https://twitter.com/DeclanWelch/status/1148584017924636674
https://twitter.com/dean_longstaff/status/1148582466535526401
