The draw for the Carabao Cup third round has thrown up some exciting clashes, with current holders Newcastle United set to begin their title defence at home against League One side Bradford City.
One of the biggest stories of the competition so far has been League Two side Grimsby Town, who stunned Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shootout at Blundell Park. Their reward is a tricky away trip to Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have been paired with Huddersfield Town of League One, while Arsenal will travel to face Port Vale.
Last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool, who went on to lift the Premier League crown, will welcome Southampton to Anfield. Chelsea, meanwhile, must navigate a tie away at Lincoln City.
Two all-Premier League clashes have been drawn: Brentford against Aston Villa, and Wolves at home to Everton, both guaranteed to provide early heavyweight drama in the competition.
As expected, clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League – including Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa – were seeded in order to avoid fixture pile-ups. Crystal Palace, who enter the Europa Conference League at a later stage, were not included in the seeding process.
The third-round fixtures will be spread across two weeks, beginning on 15th and 22nd September, coinciding with European competition schedules.
Full Third Round Draw:
Port Vale v Arsenal
Swansea v Nottingham Forest
Lincoln City v Chelsea
Tottenham v Doncaster
Brentford v Aston Villa
Huddersfield Town v Manchester City
Liverpool v Southampton
Newcastle v Bradford City
Sheffield Wednesday v Grimsby Town
Wolves v Everton
Crystal Palace v Millwall
Burnley v Cardiff City
Wrexham v Reading
Wigan v Wycombe
Barnsley v Brighton
Fulham v Cambridge
The mix of Premier League heavyweights, lower-league challengers, and giant-killers sets the stage for another thrilling round of cup football.
Image credit: Sky Sports / Carabao Cup
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