The 2019/20 version is the third campaign of the domestic youth team cup competition, which features all Category One academies in an initial three-game group stage. There are two northern and two southern teams in each group, enabling our youngsters to face opposition outside of their regional league programme.

Group winners plus the two best runners-up advance to the quarter-finals. The Blues were winners of the inaugural competition in 2018 courtesy of a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the final.

Ed Brand’s side will open with a trip to Blackburn on Saturday 28 September before hosting Wolves on Saturday 26 October and the Gunners on Saturday 23 November.

We have started the season in fine form with wins over West Ham and Arsenal. Next up is a visit to Southampton this weekend.