The draw will take place at 11.30am on Thursday, June 27, with the U’s assigned ball number ten in the Southern Section.

Burnley, Luton Town and Premier League clubs not participating in European competitions will enter in round two while the remaining seven Premier League clubs will enter in round three. First-round ties will take place week commencing August 12.

In the event of scores being level at the end of ninety minutes’ duration in rounds one, two, three, four and five, no extra-time shall be played, with the outcome decided on penalties.

Extra-time will apply in the second leg of the semi-finals and final if the result is level after ninety minutes’ duration. A period of 30 minutes will be played.

Colchester bowed out of the competition at the first-round stage last season after losing on penalties at Championship club Cardiff City, after the tie had finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.