Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Premier League Sides Enter the Carabao Cup Second Round
The 2026/27 Carabao Cup enters its second round during the week commencing August 24, introducing the 11 Premier League clubs not competing in European competition. The round features an immediate rematch between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, alongside key managerial returns and redemption fixtures across the English football pyramid.
Key Matchups and Narrative Context
An all-Premier League clash headlines Tuesday's schedule as Nottingham Forest host Leeds at the City Ground. Oliver Glasner's squad enters the fixture seeking a quick response following a late league defeat to Leeds at the same venue just three days earlier.
Wednesday's slate features several notable storylines across the country:
- Newcastle vs West Brom: Matthias Jaissle targets his first managerial victory with Newcastle as Championship side West Brom travel to St James' Park.
- Tottenham vs Charlton: Tottenham host early Championship leaders Charlton Athletic, aiming to recover from a 3-0 weekend loss away to Brentford.
- Preston vs Everton: Everton manager David Moyes visits Deepdale to face Preston North End, marking his first competitive return to the club since his departure in 2002.
The round concludes on Thursday with London-based ties as Chelsea host Luton Town and Fulham welcome AFC Wimbledon.
Tournament Structure and Next Rounds
The nine Premier League clubs involved in European competitions—Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace—will receive byes into the third round.
The competition calendar progresses through the autumn and winter:
- Round Three: Weeks commencing September 7 and September 14
- Round Four: Week commencing October 26
- Round Five (Quarter-finals): Week commencing December 14
- Semi-finals: First leg w/c January 11; second leg w/c February 1
- Final: Sunday, March 21