On 3 April, the English Football League decided to postpone all football until safe to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on 9 June, clubs voted to curtail the season, meaning the final table would be calculated by a points-per-game method with the play-offs being played behind closed doors.

[3] As of 12 June 2019 Sunderland has announced three preseason friendlies against South Shields, Benfica B, and Belenenses.

Source: [citation needed] On Thursday, 20 June 2019, the EFL League One fixtures were revealed.

[14] The second round draw was made on 13 August 2019 following the conclusion of all but one first-round matches.

[15] The third round draw was confirmed on 28 August 2019, live on Sky Sports.