Carabao Cup

Carabao Cup Kickoff: Who Will Rise and Who Will Fall?

The Carabao Cup is here – find out how to catch all the action live, the draw dates, and why this tournament is anything but ordinary!

The much-anticipated kickoff of the 2024 EFL Carabao Cup is upon us, set to excite football fans across the United Kingdom starting on Tuesday, Aug. 13. With every tie available for live viewing on Sky Sports, not to mention the newly revamped Sky Sports mobile app, fans can engage with the matches without missing a beat. Even if you’re not tied to a cable subscription, we’ve got you covered on how to watch the tournament unfold without being shackled to your sofa! So, grab your snacks and settle in because this cup is about to spill some thrilling action.

As we look forward to the second round draw, the excitement grows – especially for teams that finished low on points last season. Notably, Sheffield United, having hit rock bottom in the Premier League, will not receive a first-round bye and will face an enthusiastic Wrexham at Bramall Lane. The draw, hosted by Sky Sports' very own Caroline Barker, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, right after the much-anticipated clash between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road. There’s nothing like a good football draw to bring some nail-biting tension and frantic team strategizing.

This year, all eyes will be on the 13 Premier League clubs that are not competing in European tournaments. With their entry into the mix for the second round, fans around the nation will be keen to see how their favourite clubs stack up against the competition. As teams gear up for their match-ups, we anticipate thrills, spills, and perhaps a few surprise results that keep Phil Neville on the edge of his seat! With clubs like Burnley and Luton Town ready to flaunt their talent, the round is shaping up to be edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

In case you need another reason to get hyped about the Carabao Cup, did you know it has been a testing ground for some of England's greatest football legends? From the likes of Michael Owen to current stars, the tournament has regularly acted as a launchpad for rising talent. Additionally, last year’s champions, Manchester City, are not only looking to defend their title, but they’ve also successfully turned the cup into one of the most competitive tournaments in the country – showing that no trophy is too ‘small’ for the big boys to take notice! Keep an eye out as the excitement unfolds, and may the best team win!