Newcastle United’s Under-21s will travel to Bolton Wanderers, Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town in the group stage of the 2020/21 EFL Trophy.
The Magpies’ youngsters have played both Crewe and Shrewsbury since making their debut in the competition in 2017/18, while Bolton – a Premier League side as recently as 2012 – head into the new campaign as a fourth-tier outfit following their relegation from League One.
Regional quarter-finalists two seasons ago, United fell at the first hurdle last time out, losing to Macclesfield and Port Vale as well as the Shrews.
Newcastle's first Group C game would be earmarked for the week commencing 7th September, with the second pencilled in for the week beginning 5th October and the third for the week of 9th November.
However, clubs can mutually agree on a move from the scheduled date to a more convenient date for both sides, while Carabao Cup commitments will also be taken into account.