Everton have been drawn against Premier League rivals Southampton in the third round of this season’s Carabao Cup. The Blues beat Doncaster Rovers 3-0 at home last night, with second-half goals from Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Beto. Opponents Saints beat Cardiff City 5-3 in a cup thriller full of dream goals.

The third round of the Carabao Cup will take place in the weeks of 16 to 23 September. Champions League (week of 16 September) and Europa League (week of 23 September) matches are also scheduled during this period. The additional dates in the calendar for European competitions are the result of an increased number of matches for the 2024/25 season.

The Blues have never won the competition in their 141-year history, but have twice lost in the final: to Aston Villa in 1977 and Liverpool in 1984. Last season they reached the quarter-finals, where they lost at home to Fulham on penalties. The shoot-out will be remembered for Amadou Onana’s sloppy penalty attempt, which was saved.

Thirteen Premier League clubs not participating in European competitions entered the cup in round two, and now the remaining seven teams competing in Europe will enter the draw. The Carabao Cup remained regionalised in the early rounds, with the draw divided into a southern and northern section until the third round, from which point onwards any meeting is permitted.

Full Carabao Cup third round draw

Liverpool vs West Ham
Manchester City vs Watford
Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers
Manchester United vs Barnsley
Wycombe Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Walsall vs Leicester City
Brentford vs Leyton Orient
Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday
Preston North End vs Fulham
Everton against Southampton
Queens Park Rangers v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Fleetwood Town
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle United
Chelsea vs Barrow