With the Championship not getting underway until Saturday 18th August it is the rebranded League Cup competition that will see Nottingham Forest first in competitive action in the week commencing 13th August.
Nottingham based Capital One have agreed a deal with the Football League to sponsor the competition for the next four years.
The Reds were involved in two thrilling matches in the competition last year, beating Notts County on penalties before losing out in extra time to Newcastle United.