The Carabao Cup 2025-26 continues this week with third-round matches, including Lincoln City v Chelsea and Liverpool v Southampton. The EFL Cup is open to all clubs participating in the Premier League and the English Football League.

Lincoln City v Chelsea

Lincoln City will host Chelsea at LNER Stadium on Tuesday, September 23, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm BST.

• Background: Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, will be looking to bounce back after recent defeats against Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Lincoln City, currently third in League One, are hoping to cause an upset.
• Team News: Chelsea is likely to rotate their squad, giving opportunities to players like Alejandro Garnacho and Marc Guiu. Key players like Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer and João Pedro may be rested.
• How to Watch: The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Plus in the UK. In the United States, the match will be available on Paramount+. Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Liverpool v Southampton

Liverpool will host Southampton at Anfield on Tuesday, September 23, with kick-off scheduled for 8 pm BST.

• Background: Liverpool reached the final last season, losing to Newcastle. Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, will be aiming for an upset.
• How to Watch: The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV1 in the UK. It can also be streamed via Sky Go and ITVX. In the US, the match will be available on Paramount+.

Carabao Cup Overview

The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup or the League Cup, is in its 66th season in 2025-26. Newcastle United are the defending champions, having defeated Liverpool in the previous season's final. The winner of the competition qualifies for the play-off round of the 2026–27 UEFA Conference League.

The third round draw has already taken place. The competition includes all 92 clubs in the Premier League and English Football League.

Where to Watch

In the UK, Sky Sports will show all of the EFL Cup fixtures over the season. Selected games are also available on ITV. In the US, the Carabao Cup is shown live on Paramount+.