[5] On 18 May 2018, Bradford City announced two friendly games against Farsley Celtic and Sheffield United.

[6] Three days later, they revealed further matches with Guiseley and local derby against Bradford Park Avenue.

[12][13] The first round draw was made live on BBC by Dennis Wise and Dion Dublin on 22 October.

[14] The draw for the second round was made live on BBC and BT by Mark Schwarzer and Glenn Murray on 12 November.

[16] On 13 July 2018, the initial group stage draw bar the U21 invited clubs was announced.