The third round of the Carabao Cup is upon us, and it promises to be an exciting one. With top Premier League teams entering the fray, the stakes are higher, and the anticipation is palpable. Let’s dive into what we can expect from this round of fixtures.
The Big Names Enter the Scene
Manchester United and Manchester City are expected to make their Carabao Cup debuts in 2023/24. Both teams are geared up for some fierce domestic cup action after their Champions League group stage matches. United are looking to bounce back against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford after their European defeat to Bayern Munich. The Reds are the defending champions, having won the title with a 2-0 win over Newcastle last year. Manchester City, on the other hand, missed out on the League Cup despite winning the Treble the previous season. Pep Guardiola’s men will be eager to make amends, but first they must overcome Newcastle.
Key Fixtures to Watch Out For
Several intriguing matchups are on the cards:
- Ipswich vs Wolves: Ipswich, having made a strong start to their Championship campaign, will be looking to test their mettle against a Premier League side. Wolves, on the other hand, are battling relegation fears and will be keen to secure a morale-boosting win.
- Newcastle vs Manchester City: Arguably the tie of the round, Newcastle will be hoping to replicate their cup run from last season. However, facing a formidable City side will be no easy task.
- Manchester United vs Crystal Palace: With both teams in contrasting forms, it will be interesting to see if Palace can spring a surprise at Old Trafford.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the obvious allure of progressing to the next round, there are other implications. Players must exercise caution because a red card in the Carabao Cup will result in a suspension that will carry over to the Premier League. A player suspended from the Premier League due to yellow card accumulation, on the other hand, can still compete in the League Cup.
A Quick Word on the Rules
For those unfamiliar with the Carabao Cup’s regulations, matches that end in a draw after 90 minutes will proceed directly to penalties, at least until the semi-finals. This rule will be especially helpful to teams like Manchester United and Manchester City, which are currently dealing with injury issues.
Looking Ahead
The fourth round draw is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, following the City vs Newcastle clash. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome, as the competition heats up and the road to the final becomes clearer.
