The Carabao Cup third round kicks off this week, with the remaining Premier League sides entering the fray – all hoping to avoid the shock exit that befell Manchester United in round two
The Carabao Cup, renowned as one of football’s most unpredictable knockout competitions, rarely disappoints when it comes to drama. This season’s second round proved no different, as Manchester United were sensationally dumped out by League Two minnows Grimsby Town in one of the competition’s greatest upsets.
Newly-promoted Premier League pair Sunderland and Leeds also crashed out against lower-league opposition, leaving fans with the sense that this year’s tournament could be one of the most open and varied in recent memory. With the nation’s biggest clubs now entering the mix, the stage is set for even more shocks.
The third-round kicks off this week with several intriguing David vs Goliath clashes. And as attention begins to shift towards the fourth-round draw, here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Mirror Football.
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When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?
The 2025 Carabao Cup fourth-round draw is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24. It will take place live following the conclusion of that evening’s third-round clash between Port Vale and Arsenal, which kicks off at 8pm BST.
The live draw is expected to begin around 10pm, though the exact start time will depend on the duration of the match – which could go to penalties if nothing separates the teams after 90 minutes.
How can I watch the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?
Fans can tune in to watch the draw live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Streaming options include the Sky Go app for subscribers, or NOW TV for non-subscribers on a day pass. Highlights and a full replay will be available on the Sky Sports website and YouTube channel shortly after.
Coverage of Port Vale vs Arsenal will begin at 7pm, and the fourth-round draw will take place shortly after the full-time whistle.
Which teams are in the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw?
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will feature the 16 sides who make it through the third-round. Here’s a look at the teams still in the hat – and the ball numbers to watch out for.
- Sheffield Wednesday / Grimsby Town
- Brentford / Aston Villa
- Crystal Palace / Millwall
- Swansea City / Nottingham Forest
- Barnsley / Brighton
- Burnley / Cardiff City
- Fulham / Cambridge United
- Lincoln City / Chelsea
- Wigan Athletic / Wycombe Wanderers
- Wolves / Everton
- Wrexham / Reading
- Liverpool / Southampton
- Huddersfield Town / Manchester City
- Tottenham / Doncaster Rovers
- Newcastle / Bradford City
- Port Vale / Arsenal
When will the Carabao Cup fourth-round fixtures be played?
The fourth-round fixtures are set to take place during the week commencing Monday, October 27, 2025, with most matches kicking off on the evening of Tuesday, October 28, or Wednesday, October 29.
Exact dates and times will be confirmed after the draw, but all ties are single-leg matches played at the home ground of the team drawn first.
When will the Carabao Cup third-round fixtures be completed?
Three third-round fixtures will take place on Tuesday, September 16, and one will take place on Wednesday, September 17. The bulk of the matches, however will take place the following week on Tuesday, September 23 and Wednesday, September 24.
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