Burton Albion could use the new 'ABBA' penalty format this season after the EFL confirmed it is to trial the format during the Carabao Cup and play-offs.

The first round of this season’s Carabao Cup will present the first potential opportunity for the new system to come into use in EFL competitions. The Brewers face Oldham Athletic on August 9 in that contest.

The trial of the new system is being backed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) according to the EFL, with the aim to take the pressure off the second spot-kick taker in a shootout.

So now, a different order of kickers will be trialled in an experiment to reduce any apparent advantage the team taking the first kick may have.

See below for an example, with both teams to take five kicks unless the sudden-death process is required - with that phase reverting back to the traditional format:

1st kick – Team A

2nd kick – Team B

3rd kick – Team B

4th kick – Team A

5th kick – Team A

6th kick – Team B

7th kick – Team B

8th kick – Team A

9th kick – Team A

10th kick – Team B

11th kick – Team B

12th kick – Team A and so on…

"We welcome innovation at the EFL and I am pleased to see that the EFL is able to play its part in an important development for football," said Shaun Harvey, chief executive of the EFL.

Lucas Akins converts a penalty for Burton Albion against Ipswich Town
Lucas Akins converts a penalty for Burton Albion against Ipswich Town

"IFAB have identified a theory that the current arrangements for penalty kicks potentially provide an unfair advantage to the team taking the first kick so we are keen to see if the new system has an impact on one of the most discussed issues in football.

"We all want football matches to be decided in a fair and consistent manner and I am sure the new system will add an interesting dynamic to the conclusion of matches in our competitions if required."