Saunders previews Premier League Cup opener as Brentford B host Wycombe Wanderers U21s

Saunders previews Premier League Cup opener as Brentford B host Wycombe Wanderers U21s Brentford B begin their 2026/27 Premier League Cup campaign against Wycombe Wanderers Under-21s on Sunday 16 August (12pm kick-off BST). The lunchtime kick-off will be the team's first competitive game of the season as they embark on their Group J journey alongside Sunday's opponents, while they will also take on Hull City U21s and Derby County U21s. After the academy's securing of Category One status earlier this year, Sam Saunders' side begin a landmark season that will see the young Bees compete in Premier League 2, the Premier League Cup and, for the first time in the club's history, the EFL Trophy. The opening fixture of the 2026/27 campaign provides Brentford's first competitive test of the new season as they look to build on an impressive 2025/26 campaign which saw the Under-21s crowned Professional Development League champions under Saunders. Saunders: "The boys can't wait to get started" Saunders believes his squad are ready to embrace the challenges that await after a productive pre-season. "There's always excitement going into the first competitive game of a new season," said Saunders. "The players have worked incredibly hard throughout pre-season and now they're looking forward to putting that work into practice. Everyone is eager to get started." With several new faces arriving at the club alongside a number of players stepping up from the Under-18s, Saunders has been pleased with how the group has come together. "We've had players arrive from different environments, while others are taking the next step in their academy journey, so pre-season has been important for getting everyone up to speed with how we work," he explained. "The attitude from the group has been excellent. They've trained with real intensity and there's a genuine excitement around what lies ahead this season." The move to Category One football means Brentford will face a higher calibre of opposition across multiple competitions, something Saunders believes will accelerate the development of his players. "This is exactly where we want to be," he added. "Playing against the best academies in the country every week will challenge the boys in different ways, while competitions like the Premier League Cup and the EFL Trophy give them experiences that will help prepare them for senior football. "It's an exciting season for everyone connected with the Academy and we're looking forward to seeing how the players respond." Ticket information Tickets are available to purchase here. Adults - £5 65+ and U25s - £3 U18 - £1 Match coverage Supporters can follow live updates from the game against Wycombe across the club's social media channels, with a full match report available on the club's official website and app shortly after full-time.