THE big boys have learned their fate for the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The 25 winners from the second round have been joined by the Premier League‘s six European clubs in a controversial new format.
The new-look draw ensures that those six teams can’t face each other in the third round.
That means none of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham can face off until the fourth round.
Many supporters reckon the process is now an “absolute joke” and “biased” in favour of big clubs.
But it hasn’t stopped the draw from throwing up some tasty clashes.
Liverpool are the only side of the six in European competition who will take on another Premier League club – the holders will host West Ham for a spot in the fourth round.
While Arsenal will welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates in a favourable tie for the Gunners.
It’s a winnable tie for Man City too who will face Watford at the Etihad, with neighbours Man Utd taking on Barnsley.
The remaining European sides will also be pleased with what’s to come in the cup.
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Aston Villa travel to face League One club Wycombe Wanderers, while Spurs will clash against Championship outfit Coventry City.
Three Premier League sides have already lost their place in the competition.
New boys Ipswich Town were knocked out by League Two side AFC Wimbledon on penalties, while Bournemouth suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
The other all-Prem clash between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle saw the Magpies advance on spot kicks after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.
There’s excitement for the two League Two sides remaining in the competition with both clubs taking on Premier League outfits in the next round.
AFC Wimbledon will host Newcastle United and Barrow will travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
Fixtures for the third round are set to take place on the weeks commencing the 16 and 23 September.
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester City v Watford
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Manchester United v Barnsley
Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa
Coventry City v Tottenham Hotspur
Walsall v Leicester City
Brentford v Leyton Orient
Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday
Preston North End v Fulham
Everton v Southampton
Queens Park Rangers v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Fleetwood Town
Brighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers
AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Barrow
