For the first time ever, the competition is kicking off with a preliminary round. Why? Because European football’s expansion means nine Premier League clubs are now tied up in UEFA competitions, leaving fewer sides to enter the domestic cups in the early stages.
Usually, top-flight teams not in Europe would join in the second round. But, with only 11 teams in that boat this year, the EFL has had to tweak the format.
So here’s what’s new:
National League newcomers will face off against the teams that finished 21st and 22nd in League Two just to get into the first round proper.
That gives us Oldham Athletic vs Accrington Stanley and Barnet vs Newport County in this brand-new preliminary stage. Two games with a lot on the line before the Cup even really starts.
Looking back, last year’s Carabao Cup was very much a Premier League party. Newcastle United lifted the trophy, and no EFL side made it past the fourth round. But it’s not always been like that, remember Middlesbrough’s run to the semi-finals in 2023/24? And who could forget Bradford City’s fairy-tale journey to the final in 2013, back when they were a League Two side.
They knocked out Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa, before running out of steam in the final against Swansea. It was the first time a fourth-tier team had made the final since Rochdale in 1962.
Now, the draw’s been made, and the road to Wembley starts here. It might feel early, but for some of these clubs, especially the lower league ones, this competition is a golden chance to make history.
Preliminary Round Fixtures
• Accrington Stanley vs Oldham Athletic
• Barnet vs Newport County
The Carabao Cup First Round Draw
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/Oldham vs Peterborough United
• Blackburn Rovers vs Bradford City
• Middlesbrough vs Doncaster Rovers
• West Brom vs Derby County
• Bolton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday
• Chesterfield vs Mansfield Town
• Barnsley vs Fleetwood Town
• Wigan Athletic vs Notts County
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/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
A new format. A fresh chance for cup magic. And as always, a long list of clubs dreaming of Wembley. Let’s see who writes their name into the history books this time.
What are your thoughts on this new format? Give us your view in the comments below.
