Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side have now found out their first opponents in their latest Carabao Cup venture for the 2025/26 season.
Manchester City approach the competition with a determination to reassert their domestic dominance after last season’s disappointments. The Carabao Cup, often used as a platform for squad rotation and youth involvement under Guardiola, will once again provide an opportunity for the club’s emerging talents to showcase abilities alongside established names.
With Pep Guardiola’s side balancing a demanding fixture schedule across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups, this draw represents the first step in what could be another extended run in the tournament.
In recent years, Manchester City have been synonymous with success in the competition, lifting the trophy multiple times under Guardiola and using it as a springboard for momentum in the latter half of seasons.
However, with their 2024/25 campaign defined by a battle for a top-four finish rather than silverware, the Carabao Cup may carry added importance this year as a chance to restore winning rhythm and build confidence early.
Supporters will also recall how City’s schedule is beginning to intensify, with the side already two games into the Premier League season with a 0-4 win away to Wolves and a 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham.
As such, the timing of the Carabao Cup draw has only heightened anticipation around how Pep Guardiola may rotate his squad in late September when the third round ties are due to be played.
Now, following the completion of the Carabao Cup Third Round draw, Manchester City have found out that they will face Huddersfield Town at the Accu Stadium in September.
Full Carabao Cup Third Round Draw
Port Vale vs Arsenal
Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest
Lincoln City vs Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs Doncaster Rovers
Brentford vs Aston Villa
Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City
Liverpool vs Southampton
Newcastle United vs Bradford City
Sheffield Wednesday vs Grimsby Town
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
Crystal Palace vs Millwall
Burnley vs Cardiff City
Wrexham vs Reading
Wigan Athletic vs Wycombe Wanderers
Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham vs Cambridge United