The Arsenal Carabao Cup draw takes place on Wednesday evening, with seven Premier League opponents already ruled out because of a special format for clubs competing in Europe.
Mikel Arteta’s side enter the competition in the third round after reaching last season’s final, where they lost 2-0 to Manchester City.
However, there can be no immediate rematch with City. Arsenal will instead be drawn against a team outside the eight clubs competing in the Champions League and Europa League.
Here is everything supporters need to know.
When is the Arsenal Carabao Cup draw?
The Arsenal Carabao Cup draw takes place on Wednesday 26 August.
There are two separate stages:
Pre-draw: Approximately 19:20 BST.
Preston vs Everton: Kick-off at 20:00 BST.
Main third-round draw: Approximately 22:15 BST.
The pre-draw determines whether Arsenal and the seven other Champions League or Europa League clubs will play their third-round fixtures at home or away.
The main draw, held after Preston North End’s meeting with Everton, determines the actual opponents.
Liverpool’s official website confirms the pre-draw is scheduled for approximately 19:20, with the main draw expected around 22:15.
The exact start time could change depending on the match, particularly if penalties are required.
How to watch Arsenal’s Carabao Cup draw
The draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage available through Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Subscribers can also follow the proceedings through Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.
Date: Wednesday 26 August.
Pre-draw: Approximately 19:20 BST.
Main draw: Approximately 22:15 BST.
TV channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.
Arsenal supporters also face another significant draw the following day, with the Champions League league-phase draw scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Which teams can Arsenal not face?
Arsenal cannot draw any of the other seven clubs competing in the Champions League or Europa League:
Manchester City.
Manchester United.
Liverpool.
Aston Villa.
Bournemouth.
Sunderland.
Crystal Palace.
The restriction applies because the third round is played across two weeks that overlap with the opening stages of European competition.
Arsenal and the other seven protected clubs will each be paired with a team from a separate group. Once those eight ties are established, the remaining fixtures will be drawn normally.
For Arsenal, the format prevents an immediate reunion with Manchester City, who beat the Gunners 2-0 in last season’s Carabao Cup final.
It also removes the possibility of another early meeting with Aston Villa, shortly after Ezri Konsa’s move from Villa Park to the Emirates.
Those restrictions apply only to the third round. Arsenal could face any of those seven clubs later in the competition.
Who could Arsenal draw in the third round?
Brighton are among the possible opponents because their Conference League campaign begins later, meaning they are not included in the protected group.
Arsenal could also face any of the remaining second-round winners, opening the possibility of a Premier League opponent or a lower-league side.
Potential fixtures include:
Tottenham or Charlton Athletic.
Newcastle United or West Bromwich Albion.
Preston North End or Everton.
Nottingham Forest or Leeds United.
Southampton or West Ham United.
Chelsea or Luton Town.
Fulham or AFC Wimbledon.
Sky Sports has published the full second-round fixture list.
Chelsea’s meeting with Luton and Fulham’s match against AFC Wimbledon take place on Thursday, after the third-round draw. Either pairing would therefore remain unresolved when Arsenal discover their potential opponents.
Unlike the opening two rounds, the third-round draw is not regionalised, meaning Arsenal could be paired with a club from anywhere in the country.
Arsenal ball number and third-round fixture dates
Arsenal’s ball number has not yet been confirmed and is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
Third-round matches will be played across the weeks beginning 7 September and 14 September.
Arsenal’s fixture is expected during the week commencing 14 September because UEFA has scheduled the opening Champions League matches for 8–10 September.
The competition could provide opportunities for summer arrivals including Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Konsa, depending on Arteta’s priorities across domestic and European competitions.
With Arsenal still facing several important squad decisions before the transfer window closes, the identity of their first cup opponents could also influence how Arteta manages his resources during a demanding September.
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