Liverpool are slated to welcome Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield for the third‑round fixture of this season's Carabao Cup, while Manchester United will travel to Brighton in what could become one of up to six all‑Premier League clashes in the draw. This pairing marks Spurs' second visit to the Merseyside stadium in the space of three campaigns; the last meeting between the two clubs in the competition saw Liverpool advance with a 4‑1 aggregate victory in the semi‑finals of the 2024/25 edition.
The fixture list also features a number of intriguing match‑ups involving newly promoted sides and lower‑league clubs. Sunderland will host Hull City, who earned promotion this summer, while Ipswich Town, another newcomer to the top flight, are set to face Arsenal at Portman Road.
Defending champions Manchester City will enjoy home advantage at the Etihad Stadium against Norwich City, a Championship side that City have never lost to on their own turf since 2013, having compiled a perfect record over five meetings. Midlands rivalry will be on display when Coventry City take on Aston Villa in a clash that pits two clubs from the heart of England against each other. London will also see a local derby, as West Ham United are scheduled to host Fulham, guaranteeing at least one cross‑London encounter in this round. Chelsea will be drawn against historic rivals Leeds United, reviving a fixture that carries a lot of nostalgic weight for English football fans.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United will embark on a lengthy journey to face Millwall after securing a narrow victory over 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 Sky Sports+ service, which can be accessed via the Sky Sports app or website.
The platform also provides a WhatsApp channel for updates and highlights. Everton, who suffered a knockout at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers in last season's tournament, will have a chance to exact revenge when they travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Brentford will travel to League One outfit Reading, while Bournemouth will host Lincoln City, adding further depth to the mix of Premier League and lower‑division clubs competing in this round. All of the third‑round ties are slated for the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September, with subsequent rounds scheduled as follows: the fourth round will be played in the week of 26 October, the fifth round in the week of 14 December, the first leg of the semi‑finals in the week of 11 January, the second leg in the week of 1 February, and the final set for Sunday, 21 March. Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the matches live on Sky Sports+, with additional streaming options available through the Sky Sports app and website for those who prefer to watch on mobile devices or computers.
The nine Premier League clubs currently involved in European competition—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace—will all enter the Carabao Cup at the third‑round stage, joining a field that also includes a mixture of Championship and League One teams. In addition to the football action, Sky Sports is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering fans a chance to win a share of £1 million with free entry. This added incentive aims to keep supporters engaged throughout the tournament as the clubs battle for the coveted cup.