Newcastle United will face Bradford City at St James’ Park in the third round of the Carabao Cup as they look to defend the trophy they lifted last season.

The Magpies, who ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic title by beating Liverpool in the 2025 final, will begin their reign as defending champions with a home matchup against a League Two opponent, with the game scheduled for the week commencing September 15/22.

The draw handed Eddie Howe’s side one of the more favourable ties on paper, with several of their Premier League rivals facing sterner challenges.

Liverpool, last year’s finalists, will meet Southampton at Anfield, while Manchester City travel to Huddersfield Town and Arsenal visit Port Vale. Chelsea will also be on the road, heading to Lincoln City. Manchester United, sadly, isn’t in the competition anymore.

Full Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw

Newcastle United vs Bradford City

Port Vale vs Arsenal

Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest

Lincoln City vs Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur vs Doncaster Rovers

Brentford vs Aston Villa

Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City

Liverpool vs Southampton

Sheffield Wednesday vs Grimsby Town

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton

Crystal Palace vs Millwall

Burnley vs Cardiff City

Wrexham vs Reading

Wigan Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers

Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Fulham vs Cambridge United

Carabao Cup 2025-26 Dates

Third round: Weeks starting September 15 and 22

Fourth round: Week starting October 27

Quarter-finals: Week starting December 15

Semi-finals: Weeks starting January 12 and February 2

Final: Sunday, March 22