Carabao Cup 2024-25, 3rd-round matches: All you need to know
The reigning champions of the Carabao Cup, Liverpool, are set to defend their title against West Ham at Anfield. This match is one of three all-Premier League fixtures in the third round. The other two games feature Everton against Southampton at Goodison Park and Brighton taking on Wolves at Amex Stadium. The 3rd round draw ensured that the six English teams in Europe's top two competitions won't face each other. Here's more about the third round.
Chelsea to host Barrow, AFC Wimbledon welcome Newcastle
2023-2024 Carabao Cup runners-up Chelsea, will face League Two team Barrow at home. Enzo Maresca's side enters the match as clear favorites. This also marks Barrow's first appearance in the third round since the 1967-68 season. In another exciting match-up, AFC Wimbledon - who triumphed over Premier League team Ipswich Town on penalties in round two, are set to host Newcastle United.
Arsenal and Manchester United prepare for home games
In the upcoming third round of the Carabao Cup, Arsenal will take on Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium, for the first time since 2012. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag's Manchester United prepare to welcome Barnsley to Old Trafford for the first time in 15 years. These matches are part of a series of exciting fixtures in this stage of the competition.
Manchester City and Tottenham gear up for championship teams
Premier League champions Manchester City will gear up for Championship side Watford at the Etihad Stadium Aston Villa would be taking on Wycombe, while Tottenham Hotsour have been paired alongside Coventry. These matches will test the mettle of these top-tier teams against lower-division opponents in the Carabao Cup's third round.
Important dates and results of the second round
The 3rd round fixtures of the Carabao Cup will take place over two weeks, starting from September 16 to September 23. Meanwhile, there were several crunch results in the 2nd round. AFC Wimbledon trumped Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 2-2. West Ham United defeated Bournemouth 1-0, while Eddie Howe's Newcastle triumphed 4-3 on penalties against Nottingham Forest after the game ended 1-1.
Most Carabao Cup titles
Liverpool lifted the 2023-24 EFL Cup by defeating Chelsea, with Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header helping Jurgen Klopp's men win 1-0. With last season's title, the Reds have won the Carabao Cup a record 10 times. Manchester City trail Liverpool in this regard, winning the title eight times. 2022-23 winners Manchester United have won the trophy six times.
Teams that can win the 2024-25 Carabao Cup
One of the top contenders for this season's Carabao Cup are defending champions Liverpool. Man United are also in the race as they looj to win the cup after their 3rd-round defeat against Newcastle last season. Pep Guardiola's Man City, who won the FA Community Shield to start the ongoing campaign, would be keen to win their 5th Carabao Cup under the Spaniard. Maresca will be wanting to lift silverware with Chelsea and the EFL Cup is a realistic chance.
Unique process used for the third-round draw
The 2024-2025 Carabao Cup implemented a two-bowl system for the third-round draw to avoid fixture clashes with the expanded Champions League and Europa League. Bowl One included teams from last season's UCL and EL, while Bowl Two featured the remaining 26 teams, ensuring European teams don't face each other.
