Chelsea are set to welcome Jack Wilshere's Luton Town to Stamford Bridge for a Carabao Cup second‑round encounter, while a London derby pits Tottenham Hotspur against Charlton Athletic later in the draw. The former Arsenal midfielder, now in charge of a League One outfit, will lead his side onto the Premier League giant's turf, joining the eleven top‑flight clubs that are not competing in Europe this season as they enter the competition alongside the victors of the opening round.
The fixture list also features several enticing match‑ups across the country. In the south, AFC Wimbledon, another League One side, will travel to Craven Cottage to face Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham, offering a classic underdog narrative at the historic ground. Meanwhile, Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, will test themselves against Birmingham City at St Andrew's, a tie that could prove tricky given the Blues' recent form. Further down the schedule, Plymouth Argyle – fresh from a Devon derby triumph over Exeter that was broadcast live on Sky Sports on Monday night – will host Premier League newcomers Coventry City.
In the opposite direction, West Ham United have been drawn against Championship side Southampton in an all‑Championship clash that will be played away from the London Stadium. The northern section of the draw presents its own drama. Newcastle United will welcome West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park, providing a stern test for the Magpies against a club eager to prove its worth after relegation.
Leeds United, on the other hand, have been paired with fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest, guaranteeing a high‑stakes encounter between two top‑flight teams. Everton's manager David Moyes will revisit his early managerial roots as his Toffees travel to Preston North End, a club where Moyes first cut his teeth in senior management. This reunion adds an emotional layer to what could be a tightly contested match.
As with the opening round, the second‑round draw has been organized on a regional basis, dividing ties into Southern and Northern sections to minimise travel. All second‑round fixtures are slated for the week beginning 24 August, giving clubs a brief window to prepare for the knockout action.
Fans looking to follow the Carabao Cup without committing to a long‑term contract can stream the competition via the league’s official platform, which offers flexible viewing options for supporters across the UK. The competition will widen further in the third round when the remaining Premier League clubs enter the fray.
Those matches will be spread over two weeks – one beginning on 7 September and the other on 14 September – with clubs involved in the Champions League joining in the later week to accommodate their European schedules. Below is a quick reference of the second‑round pairings: - Stoke City vs Hull City - Newcastle United vs West Bromwich Albion - Blackburn Rovers vs Sheffield United - Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United - Doncaster Rovers vs Middlesbrough - Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - Fleetwood Town vs Shrewsbury Town - Walsall vs Leyton Orient - Cambridge United vs Millwall - Birmingham City vs Brentford - Southampton vs West Ham United - Watford vs Peterborough United - Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon - Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic The opening round produced a wealth of drama, goals and memorable moments as clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two vied for a place in the next stage.
Notably, teams that were relegated from the Premier League last season – West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley – all progressed, underscoring their intent to bounce back quickly. Additionally, three League Two sides – Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town – secured their spots in the second round, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of lower‑league football. Supporters can relive all the highlights from the first round on the official Carabao Cup website, where clips of key goals, controversial decisions and standout performances are compiled for easy viewing. For those seeking a bit of extra excitement, the competition’s partner offers a "Super 6" game where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool.
This interactive element adds a layer of fan engagement beyond the on‑field action, encouraging supporters to test their football knowledge while cheering on their favourite clubs. Overall, the Carabao Cup continues to deliver a blend of giant‑killing possibilities, regional rivalries and the chance for emerging talent to shine on a national stage.
As the second round approaches, clubs will be eager to capitalize on their early‑season momentum, and fans can look forward to a series of captivating fixtures that set the tone for the rest of the English football calendar.