Carabao Cup 2026-27: Third Round KPI & Metrics Analysis

Carabao Cup: Third Round Overview

The third round of the Carabao Cup will have 16 thrilling encounters, including some big games having top Premier League clubs. Liverpool takes on Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea play Leeds, Arsenal visit Ipswich Town, and Manchester United entertain Brighton. Participation in European competitions may mean changes in the starting eleven. Lower-league teams will create competitiveness against elite opponents.

Carabao Cup: Third Round Full Fixtures

Date & Day	Home Team	Away Team	Time Zones			Venue
			ET	PT	IST
8 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Bournemouth	Lincoln City	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
8 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Leyton Orient	Bradford City	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	BetWright Stadium, Brisbane Road
8 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Sunderland	Hull	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Stadium of Light, Sunderland
8 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Crystal Palace	Middlesbrough	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Selhurst Park
8 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Millwall	Newcastle United	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	The Den, Millwall
9 September 2026 (Wednesday)	Chelsea	Leeds United	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	Stamford Bridge, Fulham
15 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Peterborough United	Barnsley	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Weston Homes Stadium, Peterborough
15 September 2026 (Tuesday)	West Ham United	Fulham	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	London Stadium
15 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Liverpool	Tottenham Hotspur	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	Anfield, Liverpool
15 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Ipswich Town	Arsenal	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich
15 September 2026 (Tuesday)	Reading	Brentford	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading
16 September 2026 (Wednesday)	Fleetwood Town	Sheffield United	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood
16 September 2026 (Wednesday)	Everton	Wolverhampton Wanderers	2:45 PM	11:45 AM	12:15 AM (Next day)	Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton
16 September 2026 (Wednesday)	Manchester United	Brighton	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	Old Trafford, Greater Manchester
16 September 2026 (Wednesday)	Coventry City	Aston Villa	3:00 PM	12:00 PM	12:30 AM (Next day)	Coventry Building Society Arena
17 September 2026 (Thursday)	Manchester City	Norwich City	2:30 PM	11:30 AM	12:00 AM (Next day)	Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Carabao Cup: Eight Third-Round Showdowns You Shouldn’t Miss

The Carabao Cup third round features a total of 16 matches. In that there are many thrilling ties, from Premier League battles that upset the potential teams competing for the cup. These eight matches are distinguished by their rivalry, quality, competitiveness, and storylines.

Rank	Match	Why It Stands Out
1	Liverpool vs Tottenham	The Carabao fixture has a headline tie between two major Premier League clubs.
2	Chelsea vs Leeds	A strong Premier League matchup with plenty of recent history.
3	Ipswich Town vs Arsenal	Arsenal will face a tricky away test against an ambitious Ipswich side.
4	Manchester United vs Brighton	Two Premier League teams with contrasting styles meet at Old Trafford.
5	Coventry City vs Aston Villa	A Midlands clash adds an extra local appreciation to the round.
6	Millwall vs Newcastle United	Millwall’s physical appearance will test Newcastle’s Premier League quality.
7	Sunderland vs Hull City	Two competitive sides meet with cup progression at stake.
8	Everton vs Wolves	A Premier League battle adds further quality to the third round.

Top Profile Matches: Third-Round Carabao Cup

Chelsea vs Leeds United

Date: 9 September 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT | 12:30 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Stamford Bridge, Fulham

Expected Carabao Cup Squad

Chelsea

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Emiliano Martínez, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Mike Penders, Gaga Slonina
Defenders	Marco Palestra, Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Pep Chavarría, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong, Olutayo Subuloye
Midfielders	Valentín Barco, Cole Palmer, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda, Moisés Caicedo, Reggie Watson, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Romeo Lavia
Forwards	Pedro Neto, João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha, Estêvão

Leeds United

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	James Trafford, Alex Cairns, Michael Zetterer, Rory Mahady, Darryl Ombang
Defenders	Jayden Bogle, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Tarik Muharemović, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Melvin Bard, Jayden Lienou
Midfielders	Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson, Rhys Chadwick, Callum Mills, Alfie Cresswell
Forwards	Daniel James, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor

Injury List for Carabao Cup

Unavailable players for Chelsea: Moisés Caicedo (injury), Jordan Henderson (injury), Marco Palestra (injury). 

Unavailable players for Leeds United: Ilia Gruev (injury), Joe Rodon (injury), Mateo Joseph (injury).

Performance Measures

KPI	Chelsea FC	Leeds United	Winner / Edge
All-Time H2H History	40 Wins	41 Wins (31 Draws)	Leeds United
Recent H2H Form (Since 2020)	7 Wins	2 Wins	Chelsea (Modern dominance)
Current League Tier	Premier League Elite Tier	Premier League Mid/Lower Tier	Chelsea
Squad Market Value	~€1.08 billion	~€407.55 million	Chelsea
Recent Match Day Performance	Lost 1–2 vs Arsenal	Lost 3–0 vs Brighton	Leeds United (Slightly better momentum)
Average Ball Possession	59% (vs elite teams)	41% (vs elite teams)	Chelsea (Superior control)
Passing Accuracy KPI	83% – 87%	69% – 81%	Chelsea (Better technical build-up)
Goal Creation Threat (xG Index)	High (Led by Cole Palmer)	Moderate (Led by Calvert-Lewin)	Chelsea
Home Advantage Impact	Playing at Stamford Bridge	Poor historical record at Stamford Bridge	Chelsea

Analytical Verdict

Chelsea have the better KPIs, with about an 85% pass completion rate, while Leeds has a 69% pass completion rate. Chelsea has squad depth and home advantage, with their ground being Stamford Bridge. Leeds ‘ counter-attacking style of play is still a threat, but Chelsea has better technical skill and a better squad.

The Pick: Chelsea

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Date: 15 September 2026 (Tuesday)

Time: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT | 12:30 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Expected Carabao Cup Squad

Liverpool

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Vítězslav Jaroš, Harvey Davies
Defenders	Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Ronald Araújo, Kostas Tsimikas
Midfielders	Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Wataru Endo
Forwards	Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitiké, Víctor Muñoz, Bradley Barcola, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha

Tottenham Hotspur

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Martin Dúbravka, Brandon Austin, Antonín Kinský
Defenders	Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie
Midfielders	Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Mateus Fernandes, Dejan Kulusevski, Mykhailo Mudryk, Luca Williams-Barnett
Forwards	Richarlison, Omar Marmoush, Sávio, Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert

Injury List for Carabao Cup

Unavailable players for Liverpool: Federico Chiesa (injury), Joe Gomez (injury), Hugo Ekitiké (injury), Conor Bradley (injury), Giovanni Leoni (injury). 

Unavailable players for Tottenham Hotspur: James Maddison (injury), Xavi Simons (injury), Wilson Odobert (injury), Dejan Kulusevski (injury).

Performance Measures

KPI	Liverpool FC	Tottenham Hotspur	Winner / Edge
All-Time H2H History	89 or 90 Wins	44 or 45 Wins (40 Draws)	Liverpool
Recent H2H Form (Last 5)	3 Wins, 2 Draws, 0 Losses	0 Wins, 2 Draws, 3 Losses	Liverpool
Last Meeting Result	Drew 1–1 (15 Mar 2026, Premier League)	Drew 1–1 (15 Mar 2026, Premier League)	Even
Current League Form	Unbeaten / Top-Flight Contenders	5-1 win against Charlton	Liverpool
Squad Market Value	~€1.03 billion	~€824 million	Liverpool (More settled, elite value)
Passing Accuracy KPI	86% (Direct, vertical build-up)	73% (Positional play under Postecoglou)	Chelsea
Defensive Solidity (Clean Sheets)	High (Anchored by Virgil van Dijk)	Poor (Conceded 3 vs Forest recently)	Liverpool
Home Advantage Impact	Playing at Anfield (Massive win rate)	Vulnerable away record at Anfield	Liverpool

Analytical Verdict:

Liverpool has the edge in terms of tactics because of better defensive control and pressing tactics. Virgil van Dijk helps control the transition tactics used by Tottenham, while Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz help with pressing tactics. Tottenham does well in retaining possession, but they have an exposed defensive line. Liverpool’s counter-pressing gives them an advantage.

The Pick: Liverpool

Ipswich Town vs Arsenal

Date: 15 September 2026 (Tuesday)

Time: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT | 12:30 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich

Expected Carabao Cup Squad

Ipswich Town

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Alex Palmer, David Button, Christian Walton, Kjell Scherpen
Defenders	Jacob Greaves, Dara O’Shea, Cedric Kipre, Leif Davis, Darnell Furlong, Issa Diop, Jack Taylor, Abdoul Ouattara
Midfielders	Azor Matusiwa, Kasey McAteer, Marcelino Núñez, Anis Mehmeti, Julio Enciso, Florentino, Sasa Lukic, Exequiel Palacios, Matthew Charles Compton
Forwards	Sindre Walle Egeli, Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Fatawu Issahaku, Zian Flemming, Emersonn, Chuba Akpom, Daizen Maeda

Arsenal

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier
Defenders	William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Piero Hincapié, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurriën Timber, Ezri Konsa, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders	Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Bruno Guimarães, Declan Rice, Max Dowman
Forwards	Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Christos Tzolis, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz

Injury List for Carabao Cup

Unavailable players for Ipswich Town: Jaden Philogene (injury), Jack Taylor (injury), Azor Matusiwa (injury). 

Unavailable players for Arsenal: Cristhian Mosquera (injury), Jurriën Timber (injury), William Saliba (injury).

Performance Measures

KPI	Ipswich Town	Arsenal FC	Winner / Edge
All-Time H2H History	18 Wins (11 Draws)	32 Wins	Arsenal
Recent H2H Form (Modern)	0 Wins	2 Wins (1-0, 4-0)	Arsenal (Dominant in recent top-flight meetings)
Last Meeting Result	Lost 0–4 (20 Apr 2025, Premier League)	Won 4–0 (20 Apr 2025, Premier League)	Arsenal
Squad Market Value	£285 M	~£1.33 B (World Elite Tier)	Arsenal (Massive disparity in world-class quality)
Tactical Style Profile	Direct counters / Relegation survivalists	Elite Progressors (High possession / control)	Arsenal
Average Ball Possession	23% (vs elite squads)	77% (Complete game control)	Arsenal (Dominates the tempo)
Passing Accuracy KPI	88%	94%	Arsenal
Defensive Effectiveness KPI	Poor (Conceded >2 goals/game vs elite sides)	Elite (Anchored by Saliba & Gabriel)	Arsenal
Home Advantage Impact	Playing at Portman Road (Highly competitive atmosphere)	Strong away record under Mikel Arteta	Ipswich Town (Slight psychological push)

Analytical Verdict

Arsenal continues to be the absolute favorite based on their superior tactics and positioning. In their previous clash, the Gunners smothered Ipswich by controlling a massive 77% of possession. They delivered a pinpoint-accurate pass percentage of 94%, leading to their 4–0 win. The biggest tactical weakness that Ipswich has is their frail defensive line under first-tier opposition.

The Pick: Arsenal

Manchester United vs Brighton

Date: 16 September 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT | 12:30 AM IST (Next day)

Venue: Old Trafford, Greater Manchester

Expected Carabao Cup Squad

Manchester United

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee
Defenders	Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass
Midfielders	Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher
Forwards	Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Šeško, Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Shea Lacey

Brighton

Position	Players
Goalkeepers	Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele, Tom McGill
Defenders	Lewis Dunk, Luka Vušković, Costinha, Pascal Struijk, Michael Svoboda, Jaouen Hadjam, Olivier Boscagli, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Maxim De Cuyper
Midfielders	Mats Wieffer, Pascal Gross, Diego Gómez, Malick Yalcouyé, Yasin Ayari, Jack Hinshelwood, Matt O’Riley, Billie Lawrence, Kaoru Mitoma, Nehemiah Oriola, Shane Nti, Chema Andrés
Forwards	Charalampos Kostoulas, Georginio Rutter, Ibrahim Osman, Zadok Yohanna, Promise David, Stefanos Tzimas, Yankuba Minteh, Evan Ferguson, Femi Azeez

Injury List for Carabao Cup

Unavailable players for Manchester United: Amad Diallo (injury), Tom Heaton (injury), Carlos Baleba (injury), Manuel Ugarte (injury), Matthijs de Ligt (injury). 

Unavailable players for Brighton: Mats Wieffer (injury), Georginio Rutter (injury), Jack Hinshelwood (injury), Femi Azeez (injury), Evan Ferguson (injury), Yankuba Minteh (injury), Kaoru Mitoma (injury), Stefanos Tzimas (injury).

Performance Measures

KPI	Manchester United	Brighton	Winner / Edge
All-Time H2H History	22 Wins	12 Wins (9 Draws)	Manchester United
Recent H2H Form (Last 5)	2 Wins	3 Wins	Brighton (Modern edge)
Last Meeting Result	Won 3–0 (24 May 2026, Premier League)	Lost 0–3 (24 May 2026, Premier League)	Manchester United
Squad Market Value	~£924.20M+ (Elite Tier)	~£603.50 M	Manchester United (Higher financial value)
Cup Head-to-Head (2026)	Lost 1–2 (FA Cup Third Round)	Won 2–1 (FA Cup Third Round)	Brighton
Tactical Passing KPI	82% – 86% Accuracy	88% – 91% Accuracy	Brighton (Superior possession retention)
Pressing & Turnover Threat	Direct, transition-heavy attack	Elite High-Press (Forces high turnovers)	Brighton
Home Advantage Impact	Playing at Old Trafford	Proven track record winning at Old Trafford	Even

Analytical Verdict

There is an upper hand to Man United when playing at Old Trafford. The technical superiority of Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, lies in their capacity to advance and pass the ball. He has consistently been causing disruptions for United. It is evident from Brighton beating Man United in the FA Cup game in Manchester in 2026. However, United found a way out of this in their recent league game, with a scoreline of 3-0.

The Pick: Man Utd

Conclusion

This third round has many tough football games, exciting Premier League clashes, and even some thrills. The Liverpool vs Tottenham match stands out, while Chelsea vs Leeds will be hard-fought. Arsenal and Manchester United are the favorites in this round. However, European schedules may affect the composition of the teams, resulting in major upsets.