The Carabao Cup 3rd round draw has set up a fascinating group of fixtures for the 2026/27 season, with Premier League giants, European contenders and ambitious EFL clubs all preparing for another step towards domestic silverware. Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the standout tie, while Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town for another intriguing contest. Manchester United will host Brighton & Hove Albion, and defending champions Manchester City will begin their title defence against Norwich City.
The third round is where the Carabao Cup becomes even more competitive. Several leading Premier League clubs enter the competition at this stage, while lower-league teams have the chance to face some of England’s biggest clubs. With the fixtures taking place in September, supporters can now look forward to major matches, potential giant killings and important opportunities for players fighting for regular first-team places.
Carabao Cup 3rd Round Draw 2026/27
The third-round draw contains 16 ties. The fixtures bring together clubs from the Premier League, Championship and lower divisions. Unlike the earlier stages, the third round is not regionalised. This allows clubs from across England to meet each other.
Liverpool have received one of the toughest possible fixtures. Tottenham will travel to Anfield in a match that could easily belong in the later stages of the competition. Arsenal also face a challenging assignment away from home against Ipswich Town.
Manchester United will play Brighton at Old Trafford. Manchester City will host Norwich at the Etihad Stadium. Newcastle United must travel to Millwall, while Everton will face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Other fixtures include Crystal Palace against Middlesbrough, Sunderland against Hull City and Bournemouth against Lincoln City. Fleetwood Town will host Sheffield United, while Leyton Orient will meet Bradford City.
Reading face Brentford and Peterborough United play Barnsley. Chelsea will host Leeds United after beating Luton Town in the second round. West Ham United will face Fulham or AFC Wimbledon, depending on the remaining second-round result.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Is the Headline Fixture
Liverpool against Tottenham is the standout match in the third round. The fixture brings two major Premier League clubs together at Anfield. One of them will leave the competition before the fourth round.
Liverpool have the advantage of playing at home. Anfield can create a difficult atmosphere for visiting teams. That advantage could become important if the match remains close during the second half.
Tottenham will not travel simply to defend. Spurs showed their attacking quality in the second round with a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic. They will now face a much stronger test against Liverpool.
The match could also highlight the importance of squad depth. Both clubs have demanding seasons ahead. Their managers may therefore rotate some players. That could give fringe players and younger members of the squad an opportunity.
For supporters, this is one of the most attractive fixtures of the entire round. It combines two famous clubs, a historic stadium and the pressure of knockout football.
Arsenal Face an Away Test at Ipswich Town
Arsenal will travel to Ipswich Town in another fascinating third-round fixture. Arsenal have the stronger squad on paper. Ipswich will still have an important advantage because they are playing at home.
The pressure will also be different for the two teams. Arsenal will enter the match expecting to progress. Ipswich can approach the game with greater freedom. Their supporters will expect a committed performance, but there will be less pressure to produce a routine victory.
That situation can make an EFL opponent dangerous. Arsenal may also rotate players because of their wider fixture schedule. Ipswich will hope to take advantage if the visitors make several changes.
The match provides Ipswich with an excellent opportunity. A victory over Arsenal would become one of the club’s biggest results of the season. It would also send a strong message about their ability to compete against top-level opposition.
For Arsenal, the objective is more straightforward. They need to control the match, avoid mistakes and secure a place in the fourth round.
Manchester United vs Brighton Should Be Closely Contested
Manchester United have been drawn at home against Brighton & Hove Albion. The match gives supporters another all-Premier League contest to look forward to.
United will have home advantage, but Brighton are capable of causing problems. Their approach can make matches uncomfortable for opponents. They can also punish teams that lose concentration in possession.
Manchester United may use the Carabao Cup to give opportunities to squad players. Young players could also receive valuable first-team minutes. However, facing another Premier League club may limit how much rotation the manager can make.
Brighton face a similar decision. The club will want to protect important players, but it will also recognise the opportunity to reach the fourth round.
The winner will move one step closer to Wembley. The loser will see another route towards domestic silverware disappear.
Manchester City Begin Their Carabao Cup Defence
Manchester City enter the third round as defending champions. They will host Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.
City have a clear advantage in terms of squad depth. They also have extensive experience of winning domestic competitions. Playing at home strengthens their position even further.
Norwich will still have reasons to believe they can compete. Championship clubs often approach these matches with confidence. They can play without the same pressure carried by a Premier League favourite.
Manchester City may also rotate their line-up. Their wider squad gives the manager several options. That depth could make the difference if Norwich manage to stay in the match for a long period.
For Norwich, the match is an opportunity to create a memorable cup moment. Eliminating the defending champions would immediately become one of the biggest results of their season.
City, meanwhile, will want a professional performance. The priority will be to progress while managing player workloads.
Newcastle United Face a Tough Trip to Millwall
Newcastle United have been drawn away to Millwall. The fixture could provide one of the more demanding away trips of the third round.
Newcastle have the stronger squad and compete at a higher level. Millwall will have home advantage and the support of their own fans.
The atmosphere could make the match uncomfortable for Newcastle. Cup football can also produce unusual tactical situations. A team that normally controls possession may have to deal with a more physical contest.
Newcastle will therefore need to take the fixture seriously. Rotating the squad is possible, but too many changes could reduce cohesion.
Millwall will have a different objective. They can approach the match as an opportunity to eliminate a Premier League opponent.
If Millwall score first, the pressure could quickly move onto Newcastle. That makes this fixture one of the potential giant-killing ties of the round.
Coventry City vs Aston Villa Adds Extra Local Interest
Coventry City will host Aston Villa in a match with plenty of regional interest. The fixture has added appeal because both clubs come from the Midlands.
Aston Villa have Premier League quality and greater squad depth. Coventry will still have reasons to believe they can compete. Home advantage can be especially valuable in a one-off cup tie.
The match could also depend on Villa’s team selection. European and league commitments may affect the manager’s decisions. A heavily rotated side could give Coventry more encouragement.
Coventry will want to make the match difficult from the opening whistle. They can use the atmosphere to create pressure and force Villa into mistakes.
For Villa, maintaining concentration will be essential. The club will not want to exit a competition that offers another opportunity to win silverware.
Why the Third Round Matters for EFL Clubs
The Carabao Cup has particular value for EFL clubs. A successful run can bring financial rewards, national attention and valuable competitive experience.
A home fixture against a Premier League side can attract a larger crowd. It can also create additional matchday income. For clubs operating with smaller budgets, those opportunities can be significant.
There is also a sporting benefit. Players can test themselves against stronger opposition. Younger footballers can experience the pressure of a major knockout match.
Progressing through another round can also lift morale. A cup victory can create momentum for the league campaign. Supporters can enjoy a memorable occasion that may not happen during a normal league season.
That is why EFL clubs rarely view these fixtures as meaningless. A strong cup run can have a real impact on a club.
The Third Round Offers Genuine Giant-Killing Opportunities
The possibility of a giant killing remains one of the main attractions of the Carabao Cup. Premier League clubs may have stronger squads, but one-off matches can reduce that advantage.
A top-flight team may rotate players because of European football. An EFL club can then face a weaker version of the expected starting XI.
The underdog also has a psychological advantage. There is usually less pressure to win. The favourite carries most of the expectation.
That dynamic could make several third-round matches unpredictable. Ipswich will hope to use home advantage against Arsenal. Millwall will look to make Newcastle uncomfortable. Fleetwood Town will also have the chance to challenge Sheffield United on home soil.
A giant killing does not require the weaker side to dominate. A strong defensive display, an effective counter-attack or a late set piece can be enough.
Why Squad Rotation Could Influence the Results
Squad rotation will be an important factor during the third round. Many leading clubs have demanding schedules. European fixtures can sit close to their Carabao Cup matches.
Managers therefore have to protect key players. They also need to keep the wider squad involved. The League Cup provides a natural opportunity to do both.
However, too much rotation can create problems. Players who rarely start together may lack understanding. That can give an underdog more opportunities.
The strongest clubs have an advantage because their squads contain quality in almost every position. Even so, a rotated team may not have the same rhythm as a regular starting XI.
Supporters should therefore look at team news before predicting results. Recent form alone may not tell the complete story.
When Are the Carabao Cup Third Round Fixtures?
The EFL confirmed the third-round dates on 28 August 2026. The fixtures are spread across September to accommodate the wider football calendar. The EFL confirmed the dates and kick-off times for all 32 remaining clubs.
The round begins on 8 September and runs through 17 September. Several high-profile matches are scheduled across this period. Liverpool versus Tottenham will take place on 16 September, while Arsenal’s trip to Ipswich is scheduled for 15 September.
Manchester United will face Brighton on 16 September. Manchester City will complete the third-round schedule against Norwich on 17 September.
This spread is important because several clubs also have European commitments. The EFL must therefore manage the domestic schedule around UEFA fixtures.
For supporters, checking the individual kick-off time is important. The third round is not being played on one single evening.
Benefits of Following the Carabao Cup Third Round
The third round offers something different from Premier League football. League matches reward consistency across an entire season. Cup matches create immediate pressure.
A single defeat can end a club’s campaign. That gives every match greater importance.
The competition also provides opportunities for younger players. Managers can introduce academy prospects and squad players without making major changes to their league plans.
EFL clubs can benefit from increased exposure. A strong performance against a Premier League opponent can attract attention from supporters and the wider football community.
There are financial benefits too. Additional rounds create more fixtures and potential revenue. A successful cup run can therefore provide value both on and off the pitch.
For neutral fans, the possibility of an upset makes the third round especially appealing.
Why People Choose to Follow the Carabao Cup
Many supporters enjoy the Carabao Cup because it creates fixtures that do not usually happen in league football. A Premier League club can suddenly travel to a Championship or League One ground.
That creates a different atmosphere. Smaller clubs often treat these matches as major events. Their supporters can create an intense environment for visiting teams.
The competition also gives managers room to experiment. Young players can make senior appearances. New signings can gain competitive minutes. Fringe players can show why they deserve more opportunities.
For neutral viewers, the unpredictability is the biggest attraction. A team may look like a clear favourite before kick-off. The match can still develop in a completely different direction.
That uncertainty gives the Carabao Cup its own identity within English football.
Is the Carabao Cup Worth Following in 2026/27?
The 2026/27 Carabao Cup is certainly worth following. The third-round draw has produced several fixtures with strong sporting appeal.
Liverpool versus Tottenham is the obvious headline match. Arsenal against Ipswich offers a genuine test for a Premier League favourite. Manchester United versus Brighton provides another top-flight contest.
Manchester City’s title defence also adds an interesting storyline. The holders will want to continue their run against Norwich City.
Newcastle’s visit to Millwall could produce another difficult away test. Coventry against Aston Villa also has the potential to become one of the most entertaining matches of the round.
The competition is also valuable because of its unpredictability. The strongest team does not always win a one-off cup match.
That makes the third round more than just another group of fixtures. It is an important stage in the race for a major domestic trophy.
What Could Decide Who Reaches the Fourth Round?
Several factors could determine the successful teams. Squad selection will be one of the most important.
Home advantage could also influence close contests. This is particularly relevant when an EFL club hosts a Premier League opponent.
The first goal may have a major impact. An underdog that scores early can put enormous pressure on the favourite.
Set pieces could also prove decisive. A single corner or free-kick can change the entire match.
Goalkeeping will matter as well. Cup games often produce tight scorelines. One important save can keep an underdog alive.
Managers must therefore prepare for different scenarios. They cannot rely only on possession or individual quality.
The best-prepared teams should have the greatest chance of reaching the fourth round.
What Makes the 2026/27 Third Round Different?
The third round has a particularly strong mix of Premier League and EFL clubs. The draw also creates fixtures that supporters would not normally see during a league campaign.
The round is no longer regionalised. Clubs can now face opponents from anywhere in England. That creates greater variety and more potential long-distance trips.
European commitments also influence the structure. Clubs competing in UEFA competitions have demanding schedules. The EFL has therefore used a draw process designed to help manage those fixture pressures.
That scheduling challenge adds another layer to the competition. Managers must consider travel, recovery and player workloads.
The result is a third round with plenty of tactical questions. The draw has created the fixtures. Team selection could determine the winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Carabao Cup 3rd round draw made?
The 2026/27 third-round draw took place on 26 August 2026. The EFL confirmed the draw after the completion of the relevant second-round matches.
Who are Liverpool playing in the third round?
Liverpool will host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. It is the headline fixture of the third round and one of the most attractive matches in the 2026/27 competition.
Who are Arsenal playing in the Carabao Cup?
Arsenal will travel to Ipswich Town. The match gives Ipswich home advantage and creates a major opportunity for the club to cause an upset.
Who are Manchester City playing?
Manchester City will host Norwich City. City enter the third round as defending champions and will begin their title defence at the Etihad Stadium.
When are the Carabao Cup third-round matches?
The third-round fixtures take place between 8 and 17 September 2026. The EFL confirmed the dates and kick-off times on 28 August.
Final Verdict on the Carabao Cup Third Round
The Carabao Cup 3rd round draw has produced a strong mixture of major Premier League fixtures and potential EFL giant killings. Liverpool against Tottenham is the biggest match on paper. However, several other fixtures could produce equally interesting stories.
Arsenal’s visit to Ipswich gives an EFL side a major home opportunity. Manchester United against Brighton brings another Premier League contest. Manchester City will also begin their title defence against Norwich.
The biggest unknown could be squad rotation. European commitments may force leading clubs to make changes. That could give underdogs a better chance of progressing.
The Carabao Cup remains valuable for another reason. It gives clubs across the English football pyramid a chance to compete for the same trophy. For supporters, it creates unusual fixtures and high-pressure moments.
Overall, the 2026/27 third round looks highly competitive. The combination of Premier League quality, EFL ambition and knockout pressure makes this a round worth following closely.
