The EFL Cup first round is set to deliver an electrifying encounter as Ipswich Town prepares to face Bromley in what will be their first-ever meeting. This match is not just a game but a historic moment for both teams, especially for Bromley, who are making only their second appearance in the competition.

Match Overview

• Date: Week commencing 11 August
• Venue: Bromley's home ground

Team Backgrounds

• Ipswich Town: Recently relegated from the Premier League, Ipswich is looking to make a strong comeback in the EFL Cup.
• Bromley: Promoted to the EFL just over a year ago, Bromley has never won an EFL Cup game but gained valuable experience last season by facing Premier League side Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Key Highlights

• Premier League Relegates: All three relegated Premier League teams have away matches in the first round. Southampton visits Northampton, and Leicester City travels to Huddersfield.
• Tournament Structure: Premier League teams not in Europe join in the second round, while UEFA competition participants enter in round three.
• All-Championship Ties: Notable matches include Watford vs Norwich City, Hull City vs Wrexham, Birmingham City vs Sheffield United, and West Bromwich Albion vs Derby County.

Tournament Changes

• Preliminary Round: Introduced to accommodate the increased number of Premier League clubs with European commitments, involving the four lowest-ranked sides.

Upcoming Matches

• Preliminary Round: Week commencing 4 August

  • Accrington vs Oldham Athletic
  • Barnet vs Newport County

• First Round: Week commencing 11 August

  • Southern Section: Coventry City vs Luton Town, Bristol City vs Milton Keynes Dons, Bromley vs Ipswich Town, etc.
  • Northern Section: Barrow vs Preston North End, Grimsby Town vs Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool vs Port Vale, etc.

This match promises to be a thrilling start to the EFL Cup, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. Football fans can expect an intense and competitive game as Ipswich Town and Bromley clash for the first time in history.