As defending champions, Southampton were looking to become the first team in the tournament's history to win the Football League Trophy in two consecutive years. The club began the competition in the First Round after failing to receive a bye to the next round. The draw took place on 14 August, giving Southampton a home tie against league rivals Swindon Town in the week commencing 30 August. The match came the day after the dismissal of manager Alan Pardew, and a lacklustre Saints team underperformed to lose 3–0 and exit the tournament, with substitute Lee Barnard receiving a red card in the 83rd minute following a tackle on Will Evans.
