Liverpool are set to welcome Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield for a third‑round Carabao Cup clash, while Manchester United travel to Brighton in what could become one of up to six all‑Premier League encounters at this stage of the competition. This will be Spurs' second visit to Anfield in the space of three seasons.
The last time they met in the tournament, Tottenham were knocked out by Liverpool with a 4‑1 aggregate defeat in the semi‑finals of the 2024/25 edition. The upcoming tie therefore offers the London side a chance to rewrite that recent history and test the Reds on their own turf. Further down the fixture list, Sunderland will host newly‑promoted Hull City, creating a classic north‑east showdown.
In another intriguing pairing, Ipswich Town – also fresh from promotion – will travel to face Arsenal, providing the Gunners with an early test against a club eager to prove its Premier League credentials. Defending champions Manchester City will enjoy home advantage at the Etihad Stadium when they take on Championship side Norwich City.
City have a flawless record against the Canaries at home, having not suffered a defeat in five meetings dating back to 2013, which adds a psychological edge to the fixture. In the Midlands, Coventry City will meet Aston Villa in what promises to be a hard‑fought regional rivalry.
Meanwhile, London will see at least one intra‑city clash as West Ham United host Fulham, ensuring a local derby atmosphere in the early rounds. Chelsea will be drawn against historic rivals Leeds United, rekindling a rivalry that stretches back decades. To the north, Newcastle United will embark on a lengthy journey to Millwall after edging past fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion in a tightly contested match. 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.
This flexibility ensures that supporters can follow every twist and turn of the tournament wherever they are. Everton, who were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous season's Carabao Cup, will seek redemption at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Brentford will travel to face League One outfit Reading, while Bournemouth will host Lincoln City, adding further depth to the mix of Premier League, Championship and lower‑league clubs.
The third‑round matches are slated 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, semi‑final first legs in the week of 11 January, semi‑final second legs in the week of 1 February, and the grand finale on Sunday 21 March.
Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch all matches via Sky Sports+, with additional streaming options available through the Sky Sports app and the network's website, ensuring comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. All 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 – will all enter the tournament at the third‑round stage, underscoring the depth of talent and the high stakes involved.
For those looking for extra excitement, the Sky Sports Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £1 million prize pool, with free entry available to all fans. This added incentive provides an extra layer of engagement for viewers following the Carabao Cup action.
Overall, the third round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes, intriguing lower‑league match‑ups, and the potential for surprising upsets. With the tournament’s schedule now set, clubs will be eager to secure early momentum, while supporters can look forward to a series of thrilling fixtures across the country.