English League Cup Third Round Draw Live on Sky Sports

The eagerly anticipated third round draw of the 2025-26 English League Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football UK, Sky Sports Main Event HD and UHD, and on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel. Coverage will begin at approximately 22:15 British Summer Time on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, immediately following the conclusion of Manchester United's second-round tie against Grimsby Town.

This comprehensive broadcast promises expert insight and coverage, featuring presenter Mark Chapman, alongside pundits Jobi McAnuff and Phil Jones. Chapman is a well-respected broadcaster known for his engaging style and expertise in football presenting, with extensive experience hosting major football events for Sky Sports. Jobi McAnuff, a former professional footballer with a career spanning over 15 years playing for clubs such as West Ham United and Reading, brings valuable analysis from a player's perspective. Phil Jones, notably a seasoned Premier League defender and long-time Manchester United player, offers in-depth tactical and technical commentary based on his extensive playing experience at the highest level.

How the Draw Will Unfold

The third round draw will consist of 32 clubs: 23 winners from the second round plus nine Premier League clubs entering the competition due to their involvement in UEFA club tournaments. To ensure fairness, two bowls will be used—one containing the clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and the other containing the remaining clubs. A pre-draw will first determine whether each UEFA club will play at home or away. This will be conducted live during the build-up to the second round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United.

The main draw will alternate between one club from each bowl for the first eight ties, then the remaining eight ties will be drawn from the second bowl alone. This format balances competitiveness and gives viewers the excitement of witnessing potential high-profile pairings.

Sky Sports and Digital Access

Sky Sports remains the exclusive UK broadcaster of the English League Cup in the 2025-26 season. The coverage delivering analysis and entertainment through its main channels and UHD offering demonstrates Sky’s commitment to football fans wanting top-tier experience. In addition, Sky Sports Football's YouTube channel offers free access to the draw coverage, enhancing accessibility for fans unable to view traditional broadcasts.

Profiles of the On-Air Team

Mark Chapman has built a reputation across multiple sports presenting roles, with a strong focus on football. His clarity and professionalism make him a familiar face for millions of viewers across Sky channels.

Jobi McAnuff transitioned seamlessly from his playing career into punditry, where his tactical understanding and firsthand experience enrich his commentary. His knowledge is particularly valued when analysing player performances and team strategies.

Phil Jones, having earned multiple Premier League titles and represented England internationally, brings a defender’s insight to the broadcast. His ability to break down defensive tactics and leadership on the pitch adds a distinctive flavour to the analysis.

Notable Clubs and Ball Numbers in the Draw

Among the 32 teams, some key clubs and their draw ball numbers include:

Arsenal (1)
Tottenham Hotspur (24)
Chelsea (9)
Liverpool (14)
Manchester City (15)

This draw marks the start of their Carabao Cup journeys for the season, with past winners like Manchester City and Chelsea aiming to add to their trophy cabinets. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are eight-time winners of the competition, while Chelsea have lifted the trophy five times.

Fans’ Guide to Watching

Viewers can tune into the live draw on Sky Sports Football UK or the main Sky Sports channels in HD or UHD for the highest quality experience. Additionally, the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel offers a complimentary stream of the event, a valuable option for fans seeking digital access.

For more information about the English League Cup, including fixtures and results, official details can be found at the English Football League (EFL) website. Updates and news on participating clubs like Chelsea are available on their official site, Chelsea FC. Detailed coverage of the draw format and match previews can be found on Tottenham Hotspur's official site, especially important given their involvement as ball number 24 in this round.