Overview
- The EFL has reinstated a preliminary round for the first time since 2011/12 to address fixture congestion caused by multiple clubs in Europe.
- Barnet, Oldham Athletic, Accrington Stanley and Newport County will contest the ties in the week commencing August 4.
- Regionalised matchups see Barnet drawn against Newport County and Accrington Stanley paired with Oldham Athletic.
- A combined draw for the preliminary and first rounds will take place live on Sky Sports News at 4:30 pm on June 26.
- By reducing early-round entrants, the format ensures Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and six other European qualifiers enter at round three.