The draw for the Carabao Cup third round took place tonight and threw up plenty of glamour ties, pitting Premier League sides against outfits from the lower divisions.
Draw for Carabao Cup Third Round
Key Matches
MK Dons v Liverpool
MK Dons’ reward for victories against AFC Wimbledon and Southend United is the visit of current European champions Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be facing their first-ever trip to Milton Keynes when they make the journey on the week beginning September 23 in their first League Cup game of the season.
The Reds will have aspirations of winning the entire competition this season so will perhaps send a strong squad to Buckinghamshire, but whatever the state of the squad that makes the trip, it should still have too much quality for the League One Dons.
Chelsea v Grimsby Town or Macclesfield Town
A glamour tie will await the winners of Tuesday’s abandoned tie between Grimsby Town and Macclesfield Town, as they have been drawn away to Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
The Blues reached the final of this competition last season under Maurizio Sarri but were defeated on penalties by Manchester City.
In contrast, Grimsby went out in the first round to Rochdale last season, while Macclesfield made it to the third round before an 8-0 thrashing against West Ham United.
While it’s likely Lampard’s side will prevail, this should be an enjoyable tie for whoever makes it through from the all League Two match.
Carabao Cup Third Round Draw in Full
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Reading
Oxford United v West Ham United
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa
Colchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Portsmouth v Southampton
Burton Albion v Bournemouth
Preston North End v Manchester City
MK Dons v Liverpool
Manchester United v Rochdale
Luton Town v Leicester City
Chelsea v Grimsby Town or Macclesfield Town
Sheffield Wednesday v Everton
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
Crawley Town v Stoke City
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