Fans Fume As Seeded Carabao Cup Draw Favours Top Sides

Supporters of clubs in the Carabao Cup Third Round are furious with this season’s new seeded draw format – which means teams in European competitions avoid each other.

New for this season, the six English sides involved in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League were seeded in the draw, meaning none will play each other in the Third Round.

Not only this, but the draw format also means four of the six clubs were guaranteed a home tie.

This was news to me. So it’s pre drawn so the top 6 can’t play each other…. not even tryna hide how bent the game is any more #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/c7avrLZWo7

— Matt Eustace (@Meust98) August 28, 2024

As a result, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all have home fixtures while avoiding each other.

Tottenham and Aston Villa will play away from home, but have also been spared from drawing another European side.

Understandably, fans of other clubs in the competition are fuming, describing the draw as ‘fixed’ and unfairly favouring the top sides.

That Carabao Cup draw was an absolute disgrace. Football really is finished #fixed

— Arron Ashley (@Arron_AFCCrewe) August 28, 2024

Why Is The Carabao Cup Draw Now Seeded? 

This season’s changes to the draw come as a result of the Champions League and Europa League expanding, creating an extra two matches at least for all teams involved.

The Carabao Cup Third Round fixtures will take place in the weeks commencing 16 and 23 September, the same time as European fixtures will be played.

Due to the potential for fixture clashes, the decision has been made to avoid the possibility of a Champions League club meeting a Europa League club with no available date to play the match.

But with most top sides fielding reserve players until the latter stages, the Carabao Cup is already under pressure.

Now accused of favouritism, the competition is coming under even further scrutiny amid calls for it to be scrapped.

The Carabao Cup needs to be scrapped. By having just the FA Cup it brings back prestige. If you have one cup to play for everyone will play their best team.

— Joey Thorpe (@joeythorpe96) August 28, 2024

Carabao Cup Third Round Draw In Full

• Liverpool v West Ham
• Manchester City v Watford
• Arsenal v Bolton
• Manchester United v Barnsley
• Wycombe v Aston Villa
• Coventry v Tottenham
• Walsall v Leicester
• Brentford v Leyton Orient
• Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday
• Preston v Fulham
• Everton v Southampton
• QPR v Crystal Palace
• Stoke v Fleetwood
• Brighton v Wolves
• AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle
• Chelsea v Barrow

Fixtures will be played in the weeks commencing 16 and 23 September.