Overview

• The 23 fixtures are split across Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 August, with staggered kick‑offs from 7pm to 8pm BST.
• Grimsby host Manchester United at 8pm on Wednesday, while Everton face Mansfield at 7.45pm in only the second competitive match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• Eleven Premier League clubs not in Europe enter at this stage, with two all‑top‑flight ties: Bournemouth vs Brentford and Wolves vs West Ham.
• European‑qualified sides receive byes to round three, including holders Newcastle United.
• The third‑round draw is expected on Wednesday night on Sky Sports, with ties scheduled across the weeks commencing 15 and 22 September; non‑subscribers can watch via NOW, and Sky Sports+ supports up to 100 concurrent streams.