As the early stages of the footballing season unfold, it’s that time of the year again when the Carabao Cup takes place. The third round of this prestigious competition marks a pivotal juncture in the quest for silverware and glory. It’s a stage where giants of the game collide with underdogs, where silverware dreams either progress or are shattered.
With a blend of top-tier teams, plucky upstarts, and a sprinkle of unexpected magic, the Carabao Cup’s third round promises to deliver some thrills, some upsets, and lots of drama.
Fixture List:
Tuesday 26th September:
Exeter vs. Luton
Ipswich vs. Wolves
Port Vale vs. Sutton United
Bradford vs. Middlesbrough
Salford City vs. Burnley
Mansfield vs. Peterborough
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
The first of two Manchester United vs. Palace games this week, Ten Hag’s inconsistent Reds are looking for their first consecutive win of the season. Expect players such as Sofyan Amrabat, Hannibal Mejbri, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial to get minutes as the manager looks to shake things up a bit. United are the current holders of the competition but Palace, who have started the season brightly, will be looking to thwart their attempt at the defence of the title.
Wednesday 27th September:
Aston Villa vs. Everton
Lincoln City vs. West Ham
Fulham vs. Norwich
Blackburn vs. Cardiff
Liverpool vs. Leicester
This used to always be a hit fixture in the Premier League so it’s great to see Leicester face Liverpool once again. Liverpool have started the season with a bang, with five wins in six Premier League games, but Leicester will be keen to show they can still mess with the top dogs. Leicester are top of the Championship and look likely to head right back to the Premier League, where they truly belong.
Bournemouth vs. Stoke
Brentford vs. Arsenal
This is a tasty fixture. Arsenal are still looking for their first silverware under Mikel Arteta and the Carabao Cup provides a great opportunity for them to do so. First step, beat a Brentford side that are tough to beat at home. Players like Reiss Nelson may get a rare start as Arteta will inevitably mix up the team following the North London Derby.
Chelsea vs. Brighton
Oh, Chelsea. It doesn’t get any easier for you. After a woeful one win in six games this season, they now face high-flying Brighton who have won five from six. If Chelsea lose to the Seagulls, there are going to be some damning questions asked of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Newcastle vs. Manchester City
This is the clash of the round. Newcastle are fresh off an 8-0 victory away to Sheffield United and have now two games on the bounce. Manchester City have won every league game this season. Newcastle fell just short of the Carabao Cup trophy last season, losing in the final to Manchester United, so they will be pumped up and determined to go the full way this time round.
Manchester City are the favourites to win the Carabao Cup at 3/1 on bet365. Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all priced at 7/1.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
