Brighton & Hove Albion's Under-21 squad have been drawn into Group G and will face AFC Wimbledon, Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy group stage. 

This is the Seagulls' fourth successive season in the competition with gradual improvement each year, including topping their group last year.

Simon Rusk's side will play all of their matches away from the ​​​​​​​American Express Elite Football Performance Centre ​​​​​​​and at the homes of their three opponents. 

Brighton sees familiar opponent in AFC Wimbledon

This will be the third time in the last five years that Brighton and AFC Wimbledon have met in the competition. In their most recent meeting last September in the opening group stage. 

Albion ran out 2-0 winners behind an own goal by Kim Tzanev seven minutes into the second half with Bojan Radulovic doubling the advantage a minute from time.

Seagulls hope to replicate last season's success

The Seagulls are hoping for similar results to that of 2019-20. Following that victory over AFC Wimbledon, Albion posted another 2-0 victory, this one over Southend United and ending the group stage with a penalty shootout defeat to Leyton Orient. 

With seven points and a +4 goal difference, Brighton were drawn to play EFL League Two side Newport County at the AMEX Stadium. After finishing goalless, the game went to penalties with Newport converting all five of their spot kicks. Brighton substitute Florent Tolaj ​​​​​​​had a chance to continue the shootout, but blasted his effort over the bar to send County to the last 16.

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