Today marked the start of the Carabao Cup third round, with a complete set of matches taking place throughout England. Premier League teams joined the fray, while lower-tier clubs looked to create cup surprises. The day featured a number of interesting matchups, such as Lincoln City vs Chelsea, Liverpool vs Southampton, and Burnley vs Cardiff City, along with other games like Wigan vs Wycombe, Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton, Fulham vs Cambridge United, and Wrexham vs Reading.
Chelsea to visit Lincoln City clear favorite, but the cup is unpredictable, one of the most high-profile games on the card is Lincoln City hosting Chelsea at Sincil Bank. Chelsea, a Premier League side with significant resources, are widely expected to dominate possession and the attacking play. Nevertheless, Lincoln City — a League One side will be hoping to use home advantage, set-piece moments or counterattacks to cause a surprise.
The stakes for Chelsea are clear: avoid a shock, rotate the squad wisely, and progress to the next round. For Lincoln, an upset here would not only be a massive morale boost but could generate momentum both for their cup run and league season.
Another major clash is Liverpool vs Southampton at Anfield. Liverpool, having claimed victory in the previous season’s Cup and being the frontrunners in various domestic competitions, is anticipated to adopt a strategy that balances ambition with squad rotation. First-team players who are key may take a rest, allowing young or less prominent players to step in.
Southampton, now playing in the Championship, will be aiming to upset the established order, perhaps using their experience, physicality, and tactical discipline. For them, a strong performance here could lift confidence and help arrest any league struggles.
Burnley vs Cardiff City is another game drawing attention. Cardiff, now in League One, will have to show resilience against a Burnley side likely pushing for dominance.
Fulham vs Cambridge United pits a Premier League club against lower-league opposition often fertile ground for surprises in cup competitions.
The matches Wigan vs Wycombe Athletic, Wolverhampton vs Everton, Barnsley vs Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wrexham vs Reading also carry potential for upsets, especially if the bigger teams underestimate their opponents or field weakened sides.
The Carabao Cup remains an attractive competition for clubs to test squad depth, blood young talent, and chase a trophy outside of league or European pressures. Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions enter the cup earlier (this round), increasing both the risk of fatigue and opportunity for fringe players.
For lower-league sides, the fixture list offers financial rewards (gate receipts, TV) and prestige a good cup run can galvanize a club. Players’ availability, injuries, and rotation strategies are likely to be decisive. Cup matchups often hinge on whether teams priorities the competition or treat it as secondary to league commitments.
Predictions
Chelsea are likely to win comfortably, though a disciplined Lincoln City could make life difficult.
Liverpool should be favourites over Southampton, but a stern test awaits.
Burnley may edge out Cardiff, but small margins will matter.
Fulham are expected to overcome Cambridge United, but history shows lower-league sides sometimes rise to the occasion.
