English League Cup 2025: Format changes will affect Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Liverpool
The English League Cup (Carabao Cup) resumes this week with new rules that directly impact the biggest Premier League clubs competing in continental tournaments. According to the Football Association (FA), the draw for the third round will introduce a fresh format, preventing Champions League and Europa League teams from facing each other early on.
How the new format works
The FA confirmed that the draw, scheduled for Wednesday evening (27) after the clash between Grimsby and Manchester United, will separate teams into two pots.
- Pot A: Clubs in European competitions — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, Tottenham (Champions League), plus Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest (Europa League).
- Pot B: The remaining 24 clubs.
This change ensures that England’s top sides won’t clash in the third round, theoretically easing their path in the early stages of the competition.
One-legged knockout matches remain
As in previous editions, all matches up to the semi-finals will continue to be played as single-leg ties. If the game ends in a draw, it goes to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
Premier League shocks in round two
The second round has already brought upsets. Bournemouth and West Ham were eliminated after defeats to Brentford and Wolves, respectively. Meanwhile, Sunderland lost on penalties at home to Huddersfield, and Leeds United were knocked out by Sheffield Wednesday.
Upcoming fixtures and key dates
Four more Premier League teams are still to play this round:
- Manchester United vs. Grimsby (League Two)
- Everton vs. Mansfield
- Fulham vs. Bristol City
- Brighton vs. Oxford United
Once all fixtures are complete, the FA will hold the draw for the round of 32, with matches scheduled between September 15 and 22.
