Ahead of Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup third-round draw, a simulated draw has produced several exciting potential fixtures involving some of England’s biggest clubs.
The draw has a unique format this season, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Sunderland placed in a separate pot because of their European commitments. This arrangement allows their Carabao Cup games to be scheduled around their Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
Our simulation handed Arsenal a possible north London derby against Tottenham, although Spurs must first overcome Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Liverpool were drawn against League One outfit Peterborough following their impressive 6-1 victory over Watford.
Manchester City could face either Chelsea or Luton Town, while Manchester United were paired with either Bradford City or Burnley.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace were handed a potential meeting with League Two side Fleetwood Town, while Aston Villa could face Barnsley. Sunderland were drawn against Reading, with Bournemouth facing Lincoln City.
Simulated Carabao Cup Third-Round Draw
– Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur/Charlton Athletic
– Aston Villa vs Barnsley
– Bournemouth vs Lincoln City
– Crystal Palace vs Fleetwood Town
– Liverpool vs Peterborough
– Manchester City vs Chelsea/Luton Town
– Manchester United vs Bradford City/Burnley
– Sunderland vs Reading
– Preston North End/Everton vs Coventry City
– Wolves vs Norwich City
– Fulham/AFC Wimbledon vs Leyton Orient
– Millwall vs Ipswich Town
– West Ham United vs Brentford
– Sheffield United vs Hull City
– Leeds United vs Newcastle United/West Bromwich Albion
– Middlesbrough vs Brighton & Hove Albion
The actual third-round draw will determine whether any of these simulated fixtures become reality.
