The stage is set for a thrilling night of cup football after the draw for the Carabao Cup third round was conducted, pitting Premier League heavyweights against each other and handing lower-league sides a chance to cause an upset.
Blockbuster Ties Headline the Draw
All eyes will be on the London Stadium as West Ham United welcome the might of Liverpool in a repeat of recent memorable encounters. Meanwhile, Chelsea face a tricky trip to the North West after being drawn against last season's League Two champions, Stockport County, or more likely, their League One opponents Gillingham, who they face in a second-round replay.
Fortune for the Champions
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who have lifted this trophy six times in the last decade, were handed a favourable home draw. They will host either League One's Wycombe Wanderers or fellow top-flight side Wolverhampton Wanderers, who must first complete their second-round fixture.
North London Giants Learn Their Fate
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will begin their cup campaign with a home fixture against a struggling Premier League rival, adding extra spice to the encounter. Their north London neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur, also face a home tie against a team from the second tier, promising an intriguing clash of styles.
Full List of Premier League Third-Round Ties
- Arsenal vs. AFC Bournemouth
- Chelsea vs. Gillingham or Stockport County
- Liverpool vs. West Ham United
- Manchester City vs. Wycombe Wanderers or Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Millwall or Walsall
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Swansea City
- Manchester United vs. West Bromwich Albion
- Norwich City vs. Liverpool
When Will the Matches Be Played?
Football fans should mark their calendars for the week commencing September 25th, 2023. The exact schedule, including specific dates and broadcast details, will be confirmed by the EFL and Sky Sports in the coming weeks.
The draw ensures the Carabao Cup continues its tradition of delivering drama, giant-killings, and a potential glimpse of future stars, setting the scene for an unmissable round of fixtures.
