The Carabao Cup second-round draw has set the stage for a series of intriguing matchups, with Premier League clubs entering the competition and aiming for a place in next March's final at Wembley. Five-time winners Chelsea have been handed a home tie against League One side Luton Town, while Tottenham will host Championship outfit Charlton Athletic.
Chelsea and Tottenham handed home draws
Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, will begin the club's quest to lift the trophy for the first time since 2015 when they face Luton at Stamford Bridge. The draw, conducted on Wednesday, placed the Blues in the southern section of the bracket, where they will be strong favourites to progress against the Hatters, who currently play in the third tier of English football.
Tottenham, who are also not involved in European competition this season, have been drawn at home to Charlton. The Championship side will travel to north London for what promises to be a competitive encounter, as Spurs look to end their own trophy drought.
Premier League sides enter the fray
The second round marks the entry point for the 11 top-flight clubs not participating in European competitions, with the remaining nine Premier League teams joining in the third round. This creates an uneven playing field in the early stages, as some clubs face lower-league opposition while others are drawn against fellow top-tier sides.
In the southern section, Fulham will host League One's AFC Wimbledon, while Brentford face a potentially tricky away trip to Championship side Birmingham City. Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, have been drawn at home against Leicester City, who are also back in the top flight after winning the Championship last season.
West Ham travel to Southampton
West Ham United, who overcame Portsmouth in Saturday's first round, will travel to the south coast to face Southampton. The Saints, now in the Championship, will be eager to cause an upset against their Premier League opponents. Other southern ties include Cardiff City hosting Norwich City, Stevenage against Reading, and Cambridge United facing Millwall.
Watford will welcome Peterborough United, while Plymouth Argyle or Exeter City will host Coventry City. Walsall have been drawn at home to Leyton Orient in an all-League Two affair, and the tie between Chelsea and Luton completes the southern section.
Northern section: Forest host Leeds
In the northern half of the draw, the standout fixture sees Nottingham Forest, last season's Europa League semi-finalists, host fellow Premier League side Leeds United. This promises to be a closely contested match at the City Ground, with both teams eager to advance in the competition.
Newcastle United's new head coach, Matthias Jaissle, has been handed a home draw against West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies, who currently play in the Championship, will provide a stern test for the Magpies. Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes will make a return to Preston North End, a club where he enjoyed success as both a player and a manager. Preston will host the Toffees in what is sure to be an emotional occasion for Moyes.
Premier League newcomers Hull City will travel to Stoke City, while Blackburn Rovers face Sheffield United. Doncaster Rovers take on Middlesbrough, Barnsley host Crewe Alexandra, and Blackpool are at home to Lincoln City. Sheffield Wednesday will welcome Wolves, Bradford City face Burnley, and Fleetwood Town take on Shrewsbury Town.
Ties scheduled for late August
All second-round ties are scheduled to be played in the week commencing 24 August. The winners will progress to the third round, where the remaining Premier League clubs, including those involved in European competitions, will enter the draw.
The Carabao Cup final for the 2026-27 season is set to take place on 21 March at Wembley Stadium. With the competition now featuring all 92 clubs, the road to Wembley promises to be filled with drama and excitement.
