Carabao Cup second round draw sets up Premier League ties

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been completed, setting up a series of intriguing ties for the week commencing August 24, 2026. The regionalized draw, conducted on Monday, August 10, paired several Premier League clubs entering the competition with lower-league opposition and created potential derbies.

In the northern section, Newcastle United, the 2025 winners, will host Championship side West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs since March 2021. Middlesbrough, who advanced past Wrexham in the first round, were drawn away to League One side Doncaster Rovers, a repeat of last season's first-round tie which Doncaster won 4-0.

Blackburn Rovers will welcome Sheffield United to Ewood Park, while Preston North End face a home tie against Everton. Burnley, who progressed via a penalty shootout against Notts County, will travel to Bradford City. Blackpool, after their 3-1 victory over Grimsby Town, will host Lincoln City at Bloomfield Road.

The southern section features a potential London derby, with Chelsea drawn at home against Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur hosting Charlton Athletic. West Ham United will...