Fans will see a new format for the third round of the Carabao Cup, with two separate draws set to take place

Fans will see a new format for the third round of the Carabao Cup, with two separate draws set to determine the ties for the next stage of the competition.

The third round matches will be spread across two weeks, starting on September 15 and September 22. 

The schedule overlaps with Champions League fixtures in the week beginning September 15 and Europa League ties the following week, making it a busy period for clubs involved in Europe.

To avoid clashes with UEFA competitions, which cannot be rescheduled, organisers have introduced additional rules for the third round of the Carabao Cup. 

Clubs taking part in the Champions League or Europa League will be kept apart, ensuring they cannot face each other at this stage and allowing the Carabao Cup to continue on schedule without disrupting other league or domestic cup fixtures.

The round features 32 clubs, including 23 winners from the second round and the nine Premier League clubs competing in European competitions. 

Fans will see a new format for the third round of the Carabao Cup, with two separate draws set to take place

Fans will see a new format for the third round of the Carabao Cup, with two separate draws set to take place

The third round matches will be spread across two weeks, starting on September 15 and 22

The third round matches will be spread across two weeks, starting on September 15 and 22

To accommodate the eight clubs involved in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, a pre-draw will first determine whether they will play at home or away.

The pre-draw will take place during the build-up to Grimsby Town’s second round tie against Manchester United. 

Once the home and away status is set, the main draw will begin. Eight ties will be drawn by alternating between the eight Champions League/Europa League clubs and the remaining 24. 

The remaining eight ties will then be drawn exclusively from the 24 non-European-qualified sides.

By admin