The development squad replaces the previous Under-21s following age rule changes to the programme this season. Premier League 2, an Under-23 league competition, replaces the Under-21 Premier League, although the format remains unchanged.

Adi Viveash continues to lead the group and they will participate in Division One of Premier League 2 following a fifth-place finish last year. We begin the campaign with a trip to Sunderland next Sunday 14 August, kick-off 12.05pm.

Once again, teams face each other twice both at home and away, with the bottom two in the league relegated to Division Two. Further to the age limit increasing, there is also a provision for teams to field three ‘over-age’ outfield players and one ‘over-age’ goalkeeper.

The development squad will also compete in three cup competitions this term. After a semi-final appearance last season, we continue our involvement in the Premier League International Cup, which has expanded to 24 teams this year.

The format remains unchanged; teams are split into six groups of four and play each other once. The group winners, plus the two best placed runners-up, advance to the quarter-finals. Viveash’s side have been drawn in Group D alongside Swansea City, Dinamo Zagreb and Feyenoord.

We will return to action in the Premier League Cup, which has changed from a straight knockout competition into an initial group stage. Teams will face each other twice, both home and away, with the top two advancing to the knockout round. The draw for the group stage will be made in due course.

The Blues will also compete in the EFL Trophy this season for the first time after the club accepted an invitation from the Football League. Following a revamp of the competition, on a trial basis for the 2016/17 campaign, 16 Category One development teams will take part alongside the 48 League One and League Two clubs in an initial regionalised group stage.

Development teams are required to field a minimum of six ‘Under-21’ players in their starting team. In the event of a group game finishing in a draw, a penalty shootout will be held whereby the victors can earn an additional point. Each team faces each other once before the top two progress to the knockout round.

Our Under-19s will be unable to defend their title in the UEFA Youth League, a competition they have won in each of the previous two seasons, after failing to qualify through either the youth team winning the Under-18 league title or the first team competing in the Champions League group stage.

There will be a full season preview with development squad manager Adi Viveash on this website later in the week.

-Click here for the full development squad 2016/17 fixture list.