The 2026/27 Carabao Cup third-round draw has produced several heavyweight clashes, with Liverpool hosting Tottenham, Manchester United welcoming Brighton, and Arsenal travelling to newly promoted Ipswich Town. Defending champions Manchester City will host Norwich City.
🔥 Biggest ties
- Liverpool vs Tottenham — arguably the headline fixture. Liverpool have home advantage, but Spurs showed their attacking threat by beating Charlton 5–1 in the previous round.
- Manchester United vs Brighton — a potentially tricky test for United, especially with Brighton already making a strong start to the league season.
- Ipswich vs Arsenal — Arsenal face an away trip against a newly promoted Ipswich side that will have nothing to lose.
- Coventry vs Aston Villa — an intriguing Midlands derby.
- Everton vs Wolves — Everton will have revenge on their minds after Wolves eliminated them from the competition last season.
- Chelsea/Luton vs Leeds — Leeds await the winner of Chelsea’s second-round tie.
- Manchester City vs Norwich — the holders have arguably received one of the more favourable draws, facing Championship opposition at the Etihad.
The third-round matches will be played during the weeks beginning September 7 and September 14, 2026.
🏆 My early favourites
1. Manchester City — strongest favourite
City are the defending champions and have the experience of repeatedly winning this competition. Their home tie against Norwich also gives them an excellent opportunity to progress.
2. Liverpool — serious contenders
Liverpool have the squad depth to compete on multiple fronts, but Tottenham at Anfield is a much tougher draw than City received.
3. Arsenal — strong contenders
Arsenal have the quality to go all the way, but their away trip to Ipswich means they cannot afford to underestimate the opposition.
4. Manchester United — dark horse
United have a difficult opening assignment against Brighton. If they survive it, they could gain momentum quickly.
My prediction: Manchester City remain the team to beat, but Liverpool and Arsenal look like the biggest threats. The Liverpool–Tottenham tie could also eliminate one major contender very early.
Who do you think will win the 2026/27 Carabao Cup — Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, or another club?
