Colchester United take on Swindon in Papa John's Trophy

The U's will be hoping to make progress in this season's competition, having reached the second-round stage.

Hayden Mullins' side will take on their League Two rivals at the County Ground, hoping to progress in the competition.

And they will be able to make the most of a rule change - should they wish to - in tonight's game.

Following feedback from clubs still in this season's competition, the EFL has confirmed that clubs can make five substitutions from the seven they nominate for the remainder of this season's competition.

The amendment to Competition Rule 10.1 comes into effect ahead of the second-round ties, which take place from this week.

The change was made after consideration of the proposal which highlighted concerns of a demanding fixture schedule over the coming months.

The details for Papa John’s Trophy substitutions for the remainder of this season's competition are as follows:

• Clubs will be able to make five substitutes from seven nominated;

• Clubs will have three opportunities during open play to make substitutions (not including half-time);

• Multiple substitutions can be made during one opportunity;

• For the Final an additional opportunity will be afforded during open play in extra time (not including 90 mins and half-time in extra-time);

• Unspent substitutions can be a carried over in extra time; and

• Provision of concussion substitutes sits outside this process and can be made at any time.

Colchester progressed to the next stage of the competition in second place, after it was ruled that West Ham United under-21s had played an ineligible player.

Hayden Mullins' side had been knocked out of the competition, after drawing their final Group A match 0-0 at Ipswich Town and losing 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out.

But West Ham United U21s received a three-point penalty from the group standings after they were found guilty by the EFL Board of fielding an ineligible player in the Southern Group A fixture against Gillingham, on October 26.

Ajibola Alese was suspended from playing and unavailable for selection after picking up yellow cards in each of the previous two group fixtures.

However, he still featured in the fixture against Gillingham, which West Ham United U21s won 2-0.

As a result of the points deduction, West Ham United’s points tally for the Group stage will now total three points, meaning they will finish third in Southern Group A.

And as a result, Colchester progressed to the next stage of the competition in second place.