Liverpool are slated to welcome Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield for the third‑round encounter of the Carabao Cup, while Manchester United have been drawn against Brighton & Hove Albion in what could become one of up to six all‑Premier League fixtures at this stage. This will be Spurs' second visit to Anfield in the space of three seasons. The last time they met in the competition, Tottenham were beaten 4‑1 on aggregate by Liverpool in the semi‑finals of the 2024/25 edition, a result that still resonates with the Reds' supporters.
In other match‑ups, Sunderland will host newly promoted Hull City, and fellow promotion‑season entrants Ipswich Town will travel to face Arsenal. The defending champions, Manchester City, will take on Championship side Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.
City have a perfect record against the Canaries at home, having never been defeated in five meetings dating back to 2013. Midlands drama is also on the cards as Coventry City are set to clash with Aston Villa in a local derby, while a London derby is guaranteed when West Ham United host Fulham. Chelsea will be drawn against historic rivals Leeds United, and Newcastle United will embark on a lengthy journey to Millwall after edging past fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion in the previous round.
For fans looking to stream the competition without a long‑term contract, Sky Sports offers a flexible option through its app and website, as well as a dedicated Sky Sports+ channel for live coverage. Everton, who were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous season's Carabao Cup, will have an opportunity for redemption when they face their opponents at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Brentford will travel to League One side Reading, and Bournemouth will host Lincoln City. The third‑round fixtures are scheduled for the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September.
Subsequent rounds follow a clear timetable: the fourth round in the week of 26 October, the fifth round in the week of 14 December, the semi‑final first leg in the week of 11 January, the second leg in the week of 1 February, and the grand final set for Sunday 21 March. Sky Sports subscribers can watch all matches via the Sky Sports+ channel, with additional streaming options available through the Sky Sports app and website, ensuring that supporters can follow their teams wherever they are. All nine Premier League clubs currently competing in European competitions – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – will all enter the tournament at the third‑round stage, adding a further layer of excitement to the draw.
Fans also have a chance to test their luck in the Super 6 competition, where a free entry can win participants a share of a £1 million prize pool. Overall, the Carabao Cup third round promises a blend of high‑profile clashes, local derbies, and opportunities for lower‑league sides to test themselves against top‑flight opposition. The schedule provides ample time for clubs to prepare, and the broadcasting arrangements ensure that the drama will be accessible to a wide audience across the UK and beyond.
Whether you are a die‑hard supporter of a Premier League giant or a follower of a rising Championship side, the upcoming fixtures offer plenty of footballing intrigue, narrative twists, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset that could reshape the path to the final in March.