The Black Cats reached the final of the competition last season.
A number of Sunderland fans have taken to Twitter to give their thoughts on the draw for the group stages of the Checkatrade Trophy, as announced on the Black Cats’ social media channels.
The Wearside club’s final group-stage opponents will be announced in Friday’s draw, but two of the sides they are up against in Group A have been revealed – League Two clubs Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United.
Sunderland, who reached last season’s final, took on Grimsby in the 2017-18 competition, their junior side facing the Mariners at Blundell Park, while they last locked horns with the Iron last season in League One.
The final place in Group A will be taken by either Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United or Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Under-21 teams.
Reaction to the draw was largely negative amongst the Black Cats fanbase, some suggesting they want out as soon as possible, claiming last season’s run contributed to their stuttering form in the league.
Here is some of what was said on the social media platform:
Kicking off in the week beginning 2 September, Sunderland will play two of their Group A games at the Stadium of Light, with further details to follow after Friday’s draw.
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