Liverpool will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield for their third‑round Carabao Cup clash, a fixture that adds another high‑profile meeting to the early stages of the competition. This will be Spurs' second visit to the Merseyside stadium in the space of three campaigns, after they were beaten 4-1 on aggregate by the Reds in the semi‑finals of the 2024/25 edition.
The match promises to be a test of depth for both clubs as they balance league ambitions with the desire to progress in the knockout tournament. Manchester United have also been drawn against a fellow Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion, in what could become one of up to six all‑top‑flight ties at this stage. United will look to assert their pedigree, while Brighton will aim to prove they can compete with the traditional powerhouses.
Further north, Sunderland will host newly promoted Hull City, a game that will see the Black Cats try to establish a foothold in the competition against a side eager to make an immediate impact at this level. In the east, Ipswich Town – another recent arrival to the Premier League – will travel to face Arsenal, offering the Gunners a chance to rotate their squad while still maintaining a high standard of performance. Defending champions Manchester City will meet Championship side Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium. City have an unbeaten record at home against the Canaries dating back to 2013, having won each of the five meetings.
The fixture provides City with an opportunity to showcase their squad depth and maintain momentum ahead of the league season. The Midlands will see a local derby as Coventry City take on Aston Villa, creating an all‑Midlands clash that should spark interest among neutral fans. Meanwhile, West Ham United will host Fulham, guaranteeing at least one cross‑London encounter in the round.
Chelsea will be drawn against historic rivals Leeds United, rekindling a rivalry that has produced memorable moments over the years. Newcastle United, having edged past fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion in a narrow victory, will travel a considerable distance to face Millwall, adding a London‑based challenge to their cup run.
Everton, who were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous season's Carabao Cup, will seek redemption at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, hoping to avenge last year's disappointment. Brentford will travel to League One outfit Reading, while Bournemouth will host Lincoln City, both matches offering lower‑league teams a chance to test themselves against higher‑division opposition.
The third‑round fixtures are scheduled across two weeks, with games taking place in 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 final slated for Sunday, 21 March.
For supporters wishing to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast the matches live on its Sky Sports+ channel, with streaming available via the Sky Sports app and website. This ensures fans can watch their favourite teams regardless of location. The nine Premier League clubs currently competing in European competitions – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – all enter the Carabao Cup at the third‑round stage, joining the rest of the top‑flight clubs in the draw. Beyond the on‑field drama, the competition also offers additional engagement opportunities for fans.
Sky Sports promotes a "Super 6" game where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a share of a £1 million prize pool, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Overall, the third round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of heavyweight clashes, local derbies, and intriguing underdog narratives.
As clubs juggle squad rotation, fitness concerns, and the desire for silverware, the early stages of the cup will set the tone for the remainder of the season, offering both fans and players a platform to showcase talent and ambition.