Carabao Cup
an annual knockout competition in men's domestic football in England
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Manchester City 5-0 Norwich City
Manchester City made a statement in their Carabao Cup title defence!
Despite rotating heavily, City cruised past Norwich with their young stars stealing the spotlight.
Floyd Samba announced himself with a brilliant brace on his debut, while Allan also impressed with a goal and an assist. Rayan Cherki added another as City controlled the game from start to finish.
The biggest takeaway? City's squad depth is serious.
With several youngsters and fringe players stepping up, Pep Maresca has plenty of options beyond his usual starters.
City march into the fourth round!
WHO WAS YOUR PLAYER OF THE MATCH?
Samba
Allan
Cherki
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Manchester City vs Norwich City
Manchester City begin their Carabao Cup journey tonight as the defending champions, but Norwich will be dreaming of a huge upset.
City are expected to rotate their squad, giving some of their fringe players and youngsters a chance to impress. But with so much quality available, the pressure will still be on Pep Guardiola’s side to get the job done.
Norwich, meanwhile, have nothing to lose. They’ll need to stay compact, defend well and take their chances if they want to shock the holders.
Can Norwich pull off a cup upset, or will City cruise into the fourth round?
DROP YOUR SCORE PREDICTION!
Man City or Norwich?
Let’s see who really knows ball.
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Liverpool and Arsenal sent a strong message in the Carabao Cup — their squads run deep.
Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
Despite making 10 changes, Liverpool comfortably saw off Spurs at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai on the scoresheet.
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal
Arsenal also rotated heavily, but their youngsters stepped up. 16-year-old Max Dowman stole the show with a brace, while Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also found the net.
Both victories highlighted the quality, depth and emerging talent available beyond the usual starting XI.
The big question: Which squad looks better equipped to compete on multiple fronts this season?
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Three games. Three battles.
Everton vs Wolves
Everton will look to use home advantage, but Wolves will be ready to fight. Who goes through?
Man United vs Brighton
United need a response after the derby defeat, while Brighton arrive after a huge 5-0 win. Who takes it?
Coventry vs Aston Villa
Can Coventry cause an upset, or will Villa's quality be too much?
Which THREE teams are going through?
Drop your predictions!
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chukwubuikem
9 months ago
Holders Newcastle United have been drawn against eight-time champions Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
In the other last-four tie, Chelsea will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace, with their opponents to be confirmed on Tuesday, 23 December.
Arsenal’s quarter-final clash with Palace was rescheduled to avoid Oliver Glasner’s side playing three matches in five days due to their Europa Conference League commitments on Thursday.
The semi-finals will be played over two legs, with the first fixtures scheduled for the week commencing 12 January 2026 and the return legs in the week beginning 2 February.
Chelsea, runners-up to Liverpool in both 2022 and 2024, last lifted the trophy in 2015. Manchester City, who won the competition for a fourth consecutive time in 2021, are returning to the semi-finals for the first time since then, while Newcastle claimed a first domestic trophy in 70 years after beating Liverpool in March.
Full draw
Chelsea v Arsenal/Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Manchester City
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chukwubuikem
a year ago
The first round draw for the 2025/26 Carabao Cup was held on Thursday evening, setting up a series of exciting ties across the English Football League (EFL).
Reigning champions Newcastle United, along with other Premier League clubs, were not included in this stage of the competition. Their entry will come in the later rounds.
A standout fixture from the draw sees Coventry City face Luton Town: a repeat of the dramatic 2023 Championship play-off final, reigniting a recent rivalry between the two sides.
Recently relegated Leicester City will begin their Carabao Cup journey with an away trip to Huddersfield Town, while Birmingham City square off against fellow former Premier League side Sheffield United in another high-profile clash.
Here is the full draw for the Carabao Cup:
Carabao Cup First Round Draw in Full
Southern Section:
Coventry City vs Luton Town
Bristol City vs MK Dons
Bromley vs Ipswich Town
Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge United
Leyton Orient vs Wycombe Wanderers
Watford vs Norwich City
Charlton Athletic vs Stevenage
Oxford United vs Colchester United
Barnet or Newport County vs Millwall
Cardiff City vs Swindon Town
Gillingham vs AFC Wimbledon
Northampton Town vs Southampton
Cheltenham Town vs Exeter City
Plymouth Argyle vs QPR
Swansea City vs Crawley Town
Portsmouth vs Reading
Northern Section:
Barrow vs Preston North End
Grimsby Town vs Shrewsbury Town
Blackpool vs Port Vale
Salford City vs Rotherham United
Harrogate Town vs Lincoln City
Tranmere Rovers vs Burton Albion
Stockport County vs Crewe Alexandra
Huddersfield Town vs Leicester City
Wrexham vs Hull City
Birmingham City vs Sheffield United
Stoke City vs Walsall
Accrington Stanley/Oldham Athletic vs Peterborough United
Blackburn Rovers vs Bradford City
Middlesbrough vs Doncaster Rovers
West Bromwich Albion vs Derby County
Bolton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday
Chesterfield vs Mansfield Town
Barnsley vs Fleetwood Town
Wigan Athletic vs Notts County
The ties will be played in early August as clubs look to make an early mark in the domestic cup competition.
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