Carabao Cup Returns Tonight: Premier League Giants Join the Fray in Third Round Showdowns
The EFL Cup known for sponsorship reasons as the Carabao Cup roars back into action tonight as the third round kicks off across England. With Premier League heavyweights entering the competition and lower-league dreamers still alive, fans can expect drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments over the next two days.
What’s at Stake?
The Carabao Cup offers a direct route to silverware and European qualification, making it a crucial battleground for clubs across all tiers. Manchester United are the defending champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024 with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. Prior to that, Liverpool claimed the 2022 title in a penalty shootout thriller against Chelsea, while Manchester City dominated the competition with four consecutive wins from 2018 to 2021.
Third Round Fixtures
Here’s the full schedule for this week’s matches (all times EAT):
Tuesday, September 23
- Lincoln City vs. Chelsea – 9:45 p.m.
- Wolverhampton vs. Everton – 9:45 p.m.
- Fulham vs. Cambridge United – 9:45 p.m.
- Wigan vs. Wycombe Wanderers – 9:45 p.m.
- Barnsley vs. Brighton – 9:45 p.m.
- Burnley vs. Cardiff City – 9:45 p.m.
- Wrexham vs. Reading – 9:45 p.m.
- Liverpool vs. Southampton – 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 24
- Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester City – 9:45 p.m.
- Newcastle vs. Bradford City – 9:45 p.m.
- Tottenham vs. Doncaster Rovers – 9:45 p.m.
- Port Vale vs. Arsenal – 10:00 p.m.
Underdogs to Watch
Wrexham, the Hollywood-owned club backed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, continues its fairytale run after dramatic wins over Hull City and Preston. Tonight, they host Reading at the iconic Racecourse Ground in what promises to be a passionate encounter.
