Liverpool are slated to welcome Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield for the third‑round fixture of the Carabao Cup, while Manchester United have been paired with Brighton & Hove Albion in what could become one of up to six all‑Premier League clashes at this stage of the competition. This will be Spurs' second visit to Anfield in the space of three seasons.
Their most recent encounter in the tournament came in the semi‑finals of the 2024/25 edition, where the London side were comprehensively beaten 4‑1 on aggregate by the Reds. The upcoming tie therefore offers Tottenham a chance to avenge that heavy defeat and test their squad against a side that has historically been a formidable opponent in cup ties. In other match‑ups, Sunderland will host newly promoted Hull City, providing the Black Cats with an opportunity to assert their dominance over a side still finding its footing in the higher tier. Meanwhile, fellow Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town have been drawn away to Arsenal, setting up a classic David‑vers‑Goliath scenario that could see the London club field a rotated side while still aiming to progress.
Defending champions Manchester City will enjoy a home fixture against Championship side Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium. City have a perfect record against the Canaries at home, having never been beaten in five meetings dating back to 2013, and will look to extend that unbeaten streak while rotating their squad to manage the congested fixture calendar. A Midlands showdown is also on the cards as Coventry City travel to face Aston Villa, creating a regional rivalry that adds extra spice to the early‑round drama. Additionally, a cross‑London clash is guaranteed when West Ham United host Fulham, offering both clubs a chance to secure a comfortable win before the league campaign intensifies.
Chelsea will be drawn against long‑time rivals Leeds United, reigniting a historic rivalry that has produced memorable cup moments over the decades. In the north, Newcastle United have been assigned a lengthy journey to Millwall after their narrow victory over fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion, meaning the Magpies will need to manage travel fatigue as they aim to progress. For fans who prefer streaming, the Carabao Cup matches are available without a contractual commitment via the Sky Sports platform.
The Sky Sports app can be downloaded for easy access, and updates are also shared through Sky Sports on WhatsApp, ensuring supporters stay informed regardless of where they are. Everton, who were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous season's Carabao Cup, will have a chance to exact revenge when they meet the Wolves at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This rematch offers the Toffees a narrative of redemption and the Wolves a chance to reaffirm their cup credentials.
In the lower leagues, Brentford will travel to League One side Reading, while Bournemouth will host Lincoln City, giving the Championship clubs an opportunity to test their depth against teams eager to cause an upset. All of these ties are scheduled for the weeks commencing 7 September and 14 September, with the competition progressing through subsequent rounds on the following dates: fourth round – week commencing 26 October; fifth round – week commencing 14 December; semi‑final first leg – week commencing 11 January; semi‑final second leg – week commencing 1 February; and the final set for Sunday 21 March.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch the matches live on Sky Sports+, with additional streaming options available via the Sky Sports website and mobile app, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers. The nine Premier League clubs currently competing in Europe – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – all enter the tournament at this third‑round stage, bringing a blend of experience and ambition to the early knockout phase. Fans also have the chance to participate in the Super 6 competition, a free‑entry game that offers a £1 million prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cup run for supporters across the country.