The EFL have confirmed the date for the first round draw of the 2019/20 Carabao Cup. Despite it feeling like the recent season has only just finished, preparations for the new campaign are already beginning and the draw for the EFL’s showpiece competition is the first big sign that the new season is not far away.
Date Confirmed For Carabao Cup Round One Draw
A New Venue
In just three days time on Thursday, June 20, the draw for the Carabao Cup first round will be made. The competition has drawn criticism in recent years after draws were made from venues far away from the competition’s home, owing to the sponsorship deal with the Thai energy drink, Carabao.
Previous venues have included the Thai capital of Bangkok and the Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh, but this year’s first round draw will have a much more homely feel to it as it takes place at the Morrisons supermarket in Colindale, just three-and-a-half miles from Wembley Stadium, where the final of the competition will be held.
The draw will include all 70 EFL teams, which includes debutants Salford City, and will be drawn by former players John Barnes and Ray Parlour.
Relegated Premier League side Huddersfield Town are also included, while Cardiff City and Fulham will join in Round Two along with top-flight sides that are not involved in European competition.
Matches are scheduled to take place week commencing 12 August.
Positive Praise
Both Barnes and Parlour have expressed their feelings towards the competition while talking to the EFL website.
Barnes said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Carabao Cup Round One draw this season, it’s a fantastic competition and Round One is always a great occasion for fans of EFL Clubs. They get an early glimpse of their summer signings and can be a good opportunity for families to get together and watch their local team thanks to how accessible the Cup is.”
Meanwhile, Parlour added: “I always enjoy watching the Carabao Cup so it’s great to be involved in the Round One draw. Hosting the draw in a supermarket as fans go about their daily lives provides them with a great opportunity to engage with the competition and I can’t wait to see who will be crowned Carabao Cup winners this season.”
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