EFL Trophy dates confirmed as Bristol Rovers face Crystal Palace, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon

Joey Barton’s side have been drawn into Group E of the Southern section of the competition along with Crystal Palace’s U21’s, as well as Plymouth Argyle and their old rivals Swindon Town.

The Gas will host both Crystal Palace and Swindon Town at the Memorial Stadium but face a trip down to Devon to face Plymouth at Home Park.

Bristol Rovers open their campaign on Tuesday, August 30 as they head to face Steven Schumacher’s Pilgrims.

Their last visit there resulted in a 2-0 defeat in March 2021 which was a result that helped consign Rovers to football in League Two for the next season. In the last two Cup visits though, they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the EFL Trophy in September 2019 and then returned a few months later to win in the FA Cup.

A few weeks later, Rovers will have the first of their two home comforts as they welcome the Under-21’s side of Crystal Palace on Monday, October 3.

Bristol City are at home to Coventry City in the EFL Championship on Tuesday, October 4, so to avoid a clash, the game is being played a day before.

It’s been 15 years since the Eagles played Rovers in a competitive match which was a League Cup win for Rovers on penalties.

Palace finished bottom of their group in their 21/22 campaign and so there stands a good chance of progression.

To finish off the group stage, Rovers welcome Swindon Town, under the new management of Scott Lindsey after he replaced Ben Garner who left for Charlton.

Last season, Swindon won at the Memorial Stadium under Garner but then in the revere fixture, the two played to a draw at the County Ground.

It could mean a swift return for Cian Harries, who after being released by Rovers, joined Swindon on a one-year deal.

Meanwhile, Rovers have been drawn away to Crawley Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Crawley, now managed by former Bristol City midfielder Kevin Betsy, have been busy in the market and have signed ex Rovers striker Dominic Telford - the 2021/22 League Two top scorer.

The date has been set by the EFL with the match taking place at the Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday, August 9 (7.45pm).

EFL Trophy dates

Tuesday 30th August, 19:00 - Plymouth Argyle v Bristol Rovers

Monday 3rd October, 19:00 - Bristol Rovers v Crystal Palace

Tuesday 18th October, 19:00 - Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town