Sunderland AFC will face Carlisle United and Morecambe in round one of the 2018-19 Checkatrade Trophy.
All 48 EFL Clubs have been placed into pre-determined groups, with consideration given to ensure travel time is minimised for supporters and recovery time is maximised for players.
The Lads’ third and final Group A opponent will be drawn next week at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London, as the 16 invited under-21 teams are placed into their respective groups.
Jack Ross’ Black Cats will be drawn against one under-21 side, with Everton, Leicester City, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion Wanderers and Wolverhampton Wanderers their potential opponents.
The format for this year’s competition very similar to the 2017-18 edition, with only a couple of small changes made to the regulations.
Players from EFL Clubs who are out on loan in the National League and below are now eligible to feature in the competition, while invited teams have been restricted to fielding two players over the age of 21 and more than 40 first-team appearances.
Former winner Gregor Robertson will help conduct the draw, which will take place from 1pm on Wednesday 18 July.