As the Papa John 2021/22 Trophy reaches its third round, we bring you the progress of the works, the next matches and the schedule for the final stages of the tournament.
The competition was won by Sunderland in 2020/21 – who beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0 at Wembley on March 14 – and is back for the 2021/22 season, with teams from League One and League Two, as well as 16 teams U21s invited by Premier League and league clubs with category 1 academy status.
Lee Johnson’s Black Cats, however, suffered a shock exit in the second round this season, as League Two fighters Oldham Athletic won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on December 1, thanks to a goal from the teenager Harry Vaughan.
Seven former winners remain, so the suggestion that there will be a new name on the trophy after the final on Sunday 3 April is premature. There will, however, be the Under 21 of a Premier League guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals, with Arsenal and Chelsea facing each other at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 11 January.
Papa John’s Trophy 2021/22 Round 3 fixture
January 4, 2022
North section
Crewe vs Rotherham, 7pm
Hartlepool vs Bolton, 19:00
Oldham vs Wigan, 7pm
Harrogate vs Carlisle, 7pm
Southern section
Charlton vs MK Dons, 7pm
Sutton-Colchester, 7.45pm
January 11, 2022
Southern section
Arsenal U21 vs Chelsea U21, 19:00
Date and time to be confirmed
Cambridge vs Exeter / Portsmouth
Papa John’s Trophy 2021/22 quarter-finals
Ties are expected to be played the week starting January 24, 2022
Papa John’s Trophy 2021/22 semi-finals
Ties are expected to be played the week starting March 7, 2022
Papa John’s Trophy 2021/22 final
It will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 3 April 2022
