CHERRIES will be looking to take their first step towards reaching the group stages of the revamped Premier League Cup when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday (2pm).

Stephen Purches’s under-21s meet the Clarets in the first qualifying round of a competition which has changed to a Champions League format.

The winners of three games in the first phase will go into the hat alongside Barnsley and Watford in the second qualifying round draw – with one team receiving a bye into the main group stages.

It has replaced the Under-21 Premier League Cup – a competition in which Harry Arter made his return from injury last season – and clubs can field teams comprising under-23s and three over-age outfield players and a goalkeeper.

Premier League Cup first qualifying round: Burnley v Cherries, Portsmouth v Southend, AFC Wimbledon v Wigan.