As the 2021/22 Papa John’s Trophy reaches its latter stages, we bring you the state of play, upcoming fixtures and the schedule for the remainder of the tournament.
The competition was won by Sunderland in 2020/21 – who beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0 at Wembley on March 14 – and returned for the 2021/22 season, featuring clubs from League One and League Two, as well as 16 invited U21 teams from Premier League and Championship clubs with Category One academy status.
Lee Johnson’s Black Cats, however, suffered a shock exit in round two this term, as League Two strugglers Oldham Athletic ran out 1-0 winners at the Stadium of Light on December 1, thanks to a goal from teenager Harry Vaughan.
Three former winners remain in the competition, so the suggestion that there will be a new name on the trophy following the final on Sunday, April 3 is premature. There will, however, be the U21 team of a Premier League guaranteed a spot in the last eight, with Arsenal and Chelsea facing off at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, January 11.
Sunderland won the competition for the first time in their history when they beat Tranmere at Wembley in March 2021
Papa John’s Trophy 2021/22 Round three fixtures
January 11 2022
Southern section
Arsenal U21 vs Chelsea U21, 7pm
Cambridge vs Portsmouth, 7pm
