The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup took place on Wednesday evening after arguably one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s recent history as Manchester United were defeated by Grimsby Town
The draw for the Carabao Cup third round took place on Wednesday evening with the Premier League big boys entering the party. Each of the top-flight’s European contingent earned a bye into the third round, but are now set to start their journeys.
Intriguingly, they were all kept apart with a pre-draw taking place to decide whether each of the sides would be at home or away. That was intended to ease their schedules, with the third round of the Carabao Cup, Europa League and Champions League overlapping.
Nevertheless, the draw was eventually completed. Arsenal were the first Premier League side to come out of the draw and were handed a trip to Port Vale.
Fellow Champions League side Chelsea will also be away and will take on Lincoln. Tottenham were the first European team to be drawn at home and have been handed a clash with Doncaster Rovers.
Huddersfield Town have already downed Leicester and Sunderland – and face an even bigger task this time around with Manchester City their next opponents in Yorkshire.
Last season’s finalists have also found out there upcoming opponents. Reigning champions Newcastle will kick off the defence of their crown against Bradford City at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Liverpool host recently relegated Southampton at Anfield. The Reds lost out to the Magpies at Wembley last season so will be aiming to go one better this time around.
One side that didn’t appear in the draw was Manchester United after they slumped to an embarrassing penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town. The League Two side’s reward for their win against the Red Devils was a draw against Championship crisis club Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls’ second-tier rivals Wrexham have enjoyed a historic run to the third round and have been handed a relatively kind draw in the form of League One side Reading. Another standout match from the draw pits together London rivals Crystal Palace and Millwall at Selhurst Park.
Ties will take place across the weeks commencing the 15 and 22 September.
Carabao Cup third round draw in full:
Port Vale vs Arsenal
Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest
Lincoln City vs Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs Doncaster Rovers
Brentford vs Aston Villa
Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City
Liverpool vs Southampton
Who will win the Carabao Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below
Newcastle United vs Bradford City
Sheffield Wednesday vs Grimsby Town
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Burnley vs Cardiff City
Wrexham vs Reading
Wigan Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers
Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham vs Cambridge United
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