The Carabao Cup second round draw takes place tonight, Monday, August 10, and Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the 13 Premier League clubs entering the competition at this stage. The draw, which will be conducted live on Sky Sports Football, is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:20 PM BST, ahead of the final first-round tie between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City.
Why Chelsea and Tottenham Are in the Draw
Unlike most top-flight clubs that typically enter in the third round, Chelsea and Spurs must compete in the second round because they failed to qualify for European competitions this season. According to the competition's rules, the 11 Premier League teams not participating in UEFA tournaments are required to join the EFL clubs in the second round. This unusual situation means both London giants will have to navigate an additional hurdle to reach Wembley in March.
The draw is divided into two geographical sections: North and South. Chelsea and Tottenham are placed in the South section, which includes several other Premier League sides. This split ensures that teams from the same region are kept apart in the early rounds, reducing travel and maintaining local rivalries.
Potential Opponents for Chelsea and Tottenham
In the South section, Chelsea and Spurs could face a host of challenging opponents. Among the most notable are fellow London clubs Fulham, Brentford, and West Ham United, all of whom are also in the Premier League. A derby match against any of these sides would add extra spice to the competition. Additionally, there is the possibility that Chelsea and Tottenham could be drawn against each other, setting up a tantalizing all-Premier League clash in the second round.
The full list of ball numbers for the South section includes: AFC Wimbledon, Birmingham City, Brentford, Cambridge United, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Coventry City, Fulham, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Leyton Orient, Luton Town, Millwall, Norwich City, Peterborough United, Reading, Southampton, Stevenage, Tottenham Hotspur, Walsall, Watford, West Ham United, and the winner of Plymouth Argyle vs. Exeter City.
North Section Ball Numbers
Meanwhile, the North section features a different set of clubs, including Everton, Leeds United, and Newcastle United, who are all competing in the second round. The full list is: Barnsley, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Bradford City, Burnley, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Everton, Fleetwood Town, Hull City, Leeds United, Lincoln City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Shrewsbury Town, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Notably, the holders Manchester City, along with Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool, will enter the competition in the third round due to their participation in the Champions League. Similarly, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Brighton, who are involved in the Europa League and Conference League, will also receive byes to the third round.
How to Watch and When the Matches Will Be Played
UK viewers can watch the draw live on Sky Sports Football, with presenter David Prutton joined by pundits Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Mackie. The second round matches are scheduled to take place during the week commencing Monday, August 24, giving clubs ample time to prepare for their opponents.
For Chelsea and Tottenham, the draw represents a crucial moment in their early-season campaigns. Both clubs will be eager to avoid a tricky tie that could derail their momentum, but they will also be confident of progressing against any lower-league opposition. As the draw unfolds, fans will be on the edge of their seats, hoping for a favorable matchup that could set them on a path to Wembley glory.
