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