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The first round of the Carabao Cup is already at an end, with plenty of thrilling games played out across the country as the first cup competition of the season begins.
Norwich’s 4-3 win over Stevenage and penalty wins for Walsall over Exeter and Grimsby over Bradford City are just a few highlights, but the winning sides must put those victories behind them as they enter the second round.
The next phase of the competition sees the introduction of Premier League sides, with all those who aren’t playing in European competition entering at round two.
And though the opposition could be tougher, the potential for upsets is also greater as lower-league sides look to book their place in the third round. Every team will be looking to emulate the success of Swansea, Bradford and Sunderland around 10 years ago, with each side fully aware of the potential benefits of an early cup run.
The draw for the second round below will take place live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of Leeds United v Middlesborough, and you can follow it below:
Carabao Cup first round latest scores
- Hull City 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday
- Plymouth 1-0 Cheltenham
- Leeds 0-0 Middlesbrough
Jack Rathborn14 August 2024 21:04
Arsenal have first Mikel Merino offer rejected
Real Sociedad have rejected a first offer from Arsenal for the proposed transfer of highly-rated midfielder Mikel Merino, although talks are continuing between the clubs.
Arsenal’s offer was just over €30m and while Real Sociedad initially asked for over €40m, they are still holding out for €35m (£29.9m), which the Gunners are yet to meet, with the 28-year-old’s contract being up next year. Radio Marca first reported the rejection of the offer.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 21:03
VAR to explain decisions in real time…on social media
The Premier League hopes to reduce frustration with the VAR system with the launch of a social media account that will provide near real-time updates and explanations regarding officiating and operational decisions for every match.
The upcoming season will be the sixth season with VAR in the top flight, but the league has promised to improve the technology and how it will be used.
“In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game,” the league said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 20:50
Noussair Mazraoui completes move to Manchester United
United have taken their tally to four summer signings with the €15m transfer of full-back Mazraoui, whose fee could rise by a further €5m in add-ons.
He has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year, and the signings of Mazraoui and De Ligt mean United have now spent almost £250m on former Ajax players in manager Erik ten Hag’s reign.
However, Mazraoui’s arrival was funded by selling right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for £15m earlier on Tuesday.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 20:35
How can I watch it?
In the UK, the draw will air live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports News.
Leeds vs Middlesbrough will air live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, and is the later kick-off (8pm compared to 7.45pm in the earlier games), which is why it may affect the time of the draw. Sky subscribers can also watch the draw live on the Sky Go app.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 20:20
When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place tonight (Wednesday 14 August).
The draw is expected to take place at around 10pm BST, although it could be closer to 10.15pm BST if Leeds vs Middlesbrough goes to penalties.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 20:09
Jadon Sancho nears Manchester United exit after PSG talks over swap deal
Talks have been ongoing for weeks, and it is understood that even Marcus Rashford has been raised, due to the French club’s long-standing interest.
Mike Jones14 August 2024 19:53
Carabao Cup draw: Second round ball numbers
5. Brighton & Hove Albion
24. Plymouth Argyle or Cheltenham Town
Mike Jones14 August 2024 19:40
Carabao Cup draw: Second round ball numbers
25. Hull City of Sheffield Wednesday
26. Leeds United or Middlesbrough
Jack Rathborn14 August 2024 19:30
What time is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place tonight, as the final first-round games play out.
This evening, Hull City face Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle play Cheltenham Town, and Leeds United take on Middlesbrough.
At the conclusion of those games, the draw for the second round will take place, as the new season’s edition of the Carabao Cup rolls on – with Liverpool aiming to retain the trophy.
Jack Rathborn14 August 2024 17:32
