Liverpool will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield for their third‑round Carabao Cup clash, while Manchester United are slated to travel to Brighton in what could become one of up to six all‑Premier League fixtures at this stage of the competition. This will be Spurs' second visit to Anfield in the space of three seasons. The last meeting between the two clubs in the tournament was the semi‑final of the 2024/25 edition, where Liverpool emerged victorious with a 4-1 aggregate win, ending Tottenham's hopes of progressing to the final. In other match‑ups, Sunderland will host newly promoted Hull City, creating a compelling fixture between a historic club and a side eager to prove its worth in the second tier.
Meanwhile, fellow Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town have been drawn against Arsenal, offering the Foxes a chance to test themselves against one of England's most decorated sides. Defending champions Manchester City will take on Championship outfit Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium. City have a perfect record against the Canaries at home, having won all five of their meetings there since 2013, and will be looking to continue that dominance while also protecting their cup title.
Midlands rivalry will be on display as Coventry City travel to face Aston Villa, setting up a regional showdown that promises to be fiercely contested. London will also see a local derby, with West Ham United hosting Fulham, guaranteeing at least one cross‑London tie in the round. Chelsea will meet long‑time adversaries Leeds United, rekindling a historic rivalry that has produced memorable cup moments over the decades. In the north, Newcastle United have been drawn away to Millwall after a narrow victory over fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion, meaning the Magpies will endure a lengthy journey for their next cup test.
Fans can stream the Carabao Cup without a long‑term contract by downloading the Sky Sports app or accessing the competition via Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The platform offers flexible viewing options for supporters who want to keep up with the action.
Everton, who were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous season's Carabao Cup, will have a chance to seek redemption when they host the Hill Dickinson Stadium side. Brentford are set to travel to League One opposition Reading, while Bournemouth will welcome Lincoln City at their home ground, adding further lower‑league intrigue to the draw.
The third‑round fixtures are scheduled for the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September. Subsequent rounds will follow on the weeks of 26 October (fourth round), 14 December (fifth round), 11 January (semi‑final first leg), and 1 February (semi‑final second leg), with the final slated for Sunday, 21 March. Sky Sports subscribers can watch all matches live on Sky Sports+, with additional streaming available through the Sky Sports app and website for those who prefer digital access.
The nine Premier League clubs that are also competing in European competitions – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – all enter the tournament at this stage, meaning the third round will feature a blend of domestic powerhouses and ambitious lower‑division sides. For a bit of extra excitement, fans can take part in the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize pool.
Entry is free, providing an additional incentive to follow the cup drama as it unfolds. Overall, the third round of the Carabao Cup promises a mixture of high‑profile clashes, regional rivalries, and opportunities for underdogs to make a statement. With matches spread across September and a clear schedule leading up to the March final, supporters have plenty to look forward to as the tournament progresses toward its climax.