Overview
- The Carabao Cup first round began over the weekend with matches moved a week earlier to ease fixture congestion and a preliminary round held because nine English clubs are in European competition.
- Sky Sports is broadcasting every first-round tie live across its channels while ITV/ITVX will show selected free-to-air matches including Middlesbrough v Wrexham and will also screen the final.
- Lower-league shocks have already landed with Walsall beating Bristol City at Ashton Gate and Middlesbrough progressing after their win over Wrexham.
- The second-round draw will be shown live on Sky Sports during the build-up to Plymouth v Exeter at about 7:20pm on Monday 10 August and the Round Two ties are scheduled for the week commencing 24 August.
- Competition entry remains regionalised early on with 11 Premier League clubs joining in Round Two and the nine clubs in European competition, including Manchester City, entering in Round Three which is set for early September.