By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Carabao Cup holders Liverpool FC will begin the defence of their crown at Anfield to West Ham United in the third round of the competition next month.
Due to the expansions of the Champions League and Europa League from the 2024/25 season, two bowls were used in the draw to ensure there are no fixture clashes for third-round dates and European fixtures.
Bowl One contained teams who reached the UCL and EL last season – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United – and Bowl Two contained the other 26 teams – meaning the European teams cannot face each other.
The game at Anfield is one of three all-Premier League encounters, with Everton facing Southampton at Goodison Park and Brighton hosting Wolves at Amex Stadium.
League Two side Barrow’s reward for reaching the third round for the first time since 1967-68 is a trip to beaten 2024 finalists Chelsea, while AFC Wimbledon – who defeated Premier League Ipswich on penalties in the second round – will host Newcastle.
Arsenal face Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium, with Manchester United welcoming Barnsley to Old Trafford.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will take on Championship Watford at Etihad Stadium, while Aston Villa and Tottenham have been handed trips to Wycombe and Coventry respectively.
Ties will take place in the weeks commencing 16 and 23 September, with Champions League and Europa League fixtures also scheduled during this period.
Carabao Cup third-round ties
Liverpool v West Ham
Manchester City v Watford
Arsenal v Bolton
Manchester United v Barnsley
Wycombe v Aston Villa
Coventry v Tottenham
Walsall v Leicester
Brentford v Leyton Orient
Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday
Preston v Fulham
Everton v Southampton
QPR v Crystal Palace
Stoke v Fleetwood
Brighton v Wolves
Chelsea v Barrow
AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle.