COLCHESTER United will take on Ipswich Town in the group stages of this season's EFL Trophy.

The two clubs have been placed in Group A of the southern side of the competition, along with League One outfit Gillingham.

A Premier League/Championship academy side will join them in the group when the draw is completed on Friday.

Colchester's clash with Ipswich will see them take on former manager Paul Lambert, who controversially quit the U's to take over at Norwich City in August, 2009.

It will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since their League Cup clash at Portman Road in August 2008, which Town won 2-1.

Colchester are set to face Ipswich in a pre-season friendly at the JobServe Community Stadium, on July 19.

The EFL Trophy Round One Group stage draw will take place on Friday.

It will take place live on talkSPORT on the Jim White Show at 12.30pm.

Former U's favourite Perry Groves will assist with the draw, along with broadcaster Mike Parry.

The 48 EFL teams have been placed into groups in order to minimise travel for EFL vlubs and supporters, with the remaining 16 Invited teams drawn into those on Friday afternoon.