League One outfits Stevenage and Wycombe Wanderers will provide tough tests for Darren Powell’s side, with the former securing promotion to the third tier last season and the latter just missing out on the play-offs.
A trip to League Two AFC Wimbledon is also on the cards for the U21s. The Eagles recorded their first ever victory in this competition against AFC Wimbledon in 2021/22, with goals coming from Rob Street and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in a 2-0 triumph.
Fixture overview
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Tuesday, 19th September 2023: Wycombe Wanderers v Crystal Palace U21s (Adams Park, 19:00 BST)
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Tuesday, 7th November 2023: AFC Wimbledon v Crystal Palace U21s (Cherry Red Records Stadium, KO: 19:00 GMT)
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Tuesday, 14th November 2023: Stevenage v Crystal Palace U21s (Broadhall Way, 19:00 GMT)
Please note that fixture times may be subject to change. Tickets and streaming information will be announced in due course.
The competition is contested by the 48 clubs in League One and League Two, along with 16 Category 1 Academy sides - bringing the total number of teams in the competition to 64.
Palace’s are in the Southern section of the tournament, in a regionalised group which helps fans travel to the fixtures. The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages.
Last season, Palace took on League One winners Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town – securing a sensational 2-0 victory against the Robins with a John-Kymani Gordon double.