Carabao Cup second-round draw hands Chelsea home tie

Chelsea have been drawn at home to Luton in the second round of the Carabao Cup, as the competition’s latest set of fixtures produced a mix of Premier League meetings and potentially awkward ties against lower-division opposition.

Chelsea start at Stamford Bridge

Five-time winners Chelsea will open their attempt to lift the trophy again with a home game against League One side Luton. It will mark the start of Xabi Alonso’s first Carabao Cup campaign as Chelsea manager, with the club aiming to win the competition for the first time since 2015.

The second round brings in the 11 Premier League clubs not involved in European competition, while the remaining nine top-flight sides will enter at the third-round stage.

Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham discover ties

Tottenham have also been given home advantage and will face Charlton, who are described in the draw as Championship opponents. Fulham, meanwhile, will host AFC Wimbledon in another all-London fixture involving a League One club visiting Premier League opposition.

Elsewhere in the southern section, Brentford face a demanding trip to Birmingham, while Ipswich will be at home to Leicester. West Ham, fresh from beating Portsmouth in the first round on Saturday, have been handed an away tie against Southampton of the Championship.

Forest v Leeds stands out in the north

In the northern section, the most eye-catching pairing is Nottingham Forest against Leeds, a meeting between two top-flight clubs. Forest were last season’s Europa League semi-finalists, adding extra profile to one of the round’s headline fixtures.

Newcastle’s new head coach Matthias Jaissle begins with a home tie against West Brom. Everton will travel to Preston in a draw that carries personal significance for David Moyes, who returns to a club where he previously served as both player and manager.

Premier League newcomers Hull have been drawn away to Stoke, while Plymouth will host Coventry, the Championship title winners from last season.

Plymouth rewarded after first-round win

Plymouth’s place in the second round was secured by a 2-0 victory over Devon rivals Exeter. Stoppage-time goals from Alex Hartridge and Bim Pepple settled that tie and earned Plymouth a home meeting with Coventry.

• Chelsea v Luton
• Tottenham v Charlton
• Brentford at Birmingham
• Ipswich v Leicester
• Nottingham Forest v Leeds
• Newcastle v West Brom
• Preston v Everton

The second-round ties are scheduled for the week commencing 24 August. The 2026-27 Carabao Cup final will be played on 21 March at Wembley.