Ball numbers, how to watch live, fixture dates, potential opponents – Carabao Cup third round draw

Manchester City will discover their opponents for the third round of the Carabao Cup later this week, as the second round of the competition takes place.

Pep Guardiola’s side will begin their pursuit of the Carabao Cup next month, with the trophy one of five still on offer to Manchester City during the 2024/25 season, after the Sky Blues lifted the FA Community Shield earlier this month at Wembley Stadium.

Manchester City were knocked-out of the competition in the third round last season, suffering a defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, losing 1-0, after Alexander Isak’s second-half strike for the Magpies.

The Blues last won the Carabao Cup in 2021, with Guardiola having enjoyed success in the competition on four previous occasions with Manchester City.

City’s participation in the newly-formatted UEFA Champions League has caused a notable clash with the Carabao Cup schedule, with a number of changes having been made to the draw to accommodate the six teams playing in the Champions League and Europa League.

As the second round of the competition begins, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Carabao Cup third round draw!

When is the Carabao Cup third round draw?

The third round draw for the Carabao Cup is set to take place on Wednesday 28 August at around 22:15 BST, following the conclusion of Nottingham Forest’s round two clash against Newcastle United.

Manchester City will however also be involved in a pre-draw prior to the tie at the City Ground, with the EFL implementing draw conditions due to the scheduling of UEFA competitions. The pre-draw will determine whether Guardiola’s side will be home or away.

How can I watch the Carabao Cup third round draw?

The third round draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event for viewers in the United Kingdom.

City Xtra will also have live updates across their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as live coverage and reaction on YouTube!

How will the Carabao Cup third round draw work?

Following the pre-draw to determine where Manchester City’s third round fixture is played, the Blues will be placed in Bowl One, which will consist of the six clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League.

The first six ties will be drawn by alternating between one team from Bowl One and one team from Bowl Two, with the home/away positioning of the team from Bowl One already pre-determined in the earlier draw.

The announced changes ensure Champions League clubs cannot face a Europa League-competing team in the third round.

What ball number are Manchester City?

Manchester City will be ball number 17, in the Carabao Cup third round draw.

Which teams have qualified for the third round?

1 Arsenal

2 Aston Villa

3 Barnsley

4 Barrow

5 Blackpool

6 Bolton Wanderers

7 Brighton & Hove Albion

8 Chelsea

9 Coventry City

10 Crystal Palace

11 Everton

12 Fleetwood Town

13 Fulham

14 Leicester City

15 Leyton Orient

16 Liverpool

17 Manchester City

18 Manchester United

19 Preston North End

20 Queens Park Rangers

21 Sheffield Wednesday

22 Stoke City

23 Tottenham Hotspur

24 Walsall

25 Watford

26 AFC Wimbledon

27 Southampton

28 Brentford

29 Newcastle United

30 Wycombe Wanderers

31 West Ham United

32 Wolverhampton Wanderers

When will Carabao Cup third round matches be played?

Carabao Cup round three ties will take place the W/C 16 and 23 September, however Manchester City’s fixture will take place the W/C 23 September due to Champions League scheduling.