The draw for the third round of the EFL Cup produced a headline tie between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester United were paired with Brighton & Hove Albion. Manchester City drew Norwich City among the notable fixtures announced.
The match-ups bring several Premier League clubs into direct competition in the early knockout stages, creating potentially pivotal domestic ties. The EFL Cup has often been used by clubs to rotate squads and give minutes to fringe and younger players, but when leading sides meet the matches can take on greater importance.
A Liverpool–Tottenham pairing is likely to attract particular attention given the profile of both clubs and their recent history of competitive meetings. Manchester United’s tie with Brighton and Manchester City’s meeting with Norwich will also be watched closely as clubs balance league commitments with cup ambitions.
Winners from the third round will progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The Football League and participating clubs will confirm match dates, kick-off times and venues in the coming days.