Carabao Cup 2024-25: Latest Draw, Fixtures, Results & Complete Guide

Understanding the Carabao Cup: England's League Cup

The Carabao Cup, officially known as England's League Cup, is one of the most exciting knockout football competitions in the UK, featuring teams from the Premier League and the English Football League. Established to provide clubs with opportunities to clinch silverware and secure European qualification, it stands out as a notable event in the domestic football calendar.

Format and Structure of the Carabao Cup

Every season, the Carabao Cup kicks off in early August with a thrilling participation of 92 teams across the English football pyramid. This includes:

• 20 teams from the Premier League
• 24 teams from both League One and League Two
• 24 teams from the Championship

The competition follows a traditional knockout format, with matches resolved over a single game with the exception of the semi-finals, which are played over two legs.

Early Rounds: Excitement and Unpredictability

The early rounds of the Carabao Cup often set the stage for captivating clashes, where lower-league teams take on Premier League powerhouses, resulting in unpredictable matchups. The intensity magnifies as the competition progresses, ultimately leading to the highly anticipated final at Wembley Stadium.

Upcoming Fixtures: Carabao Cup 2024-25

As the 2024-25 edition unfolds, fans are eager for updates on draws, fixtures, and results. The draw for the fourth round occurred on September 25, 2024, featuring 17 teams, including 13 from the Premier League. A highly anticipated clash is set between Spurs and Manchester City.

The matches for the last-16 are scheduled for October 29 and 30, following earlier rounds where exciting fixtures were played.

Carabao Cup Third Round

The third round draw took place on August 28, featuring 32 teams, with fixtures set to unfold over the weeks of September 16 and 23.

Carabao Cup Second and First Rounds

The competition has witnessed significant activity in earlier rounds:

• Second round draw on August 14, including 50 teams.
• First round began on August 13 with eligible teams from the Championship, League One, and League Two.

TV Coverage for the Carabao Cup

To ensure dedicated fan engagement, the Carabao Cup benefits from extensive television broadcasting. Sky Sports continues to be a primary broadcaster, offering live matches and highlights.

Starting in January 2025, ITV will co-broadcast select games, including semi-finals, joining Sky Sports to enhance visibility for football fans across the UK. Meanwhile, U.S. viewers can enjoy coverage via Paramount+ and CBS.

The Grand Final: A Showcase of Talent

The Carabao Cup final is slated for March 16, 2025, at Wembley Stadium—the traditional final venue. This event is not only a showcase of English football but also draws a massive domestic and international audience.

Recent Champions: Liverpool's Glory

In the 2023-24 season, Liverpool triumphed over Chelsea to secure the Carabao Cup, with Virgil van Dijk scoring a decisive goal in the dying minutes of the match. It marked a significant achievement for manager Jurgen Klopp in his last season with the club.

Conclusion: The Significance of the Carabao Cup

The Carabao Cup remains a prestigious and thrilling tournament in English football, offering clubs an opportunity to shine, fans unforgettable moments, and a pathway to European competition.