Carabao Cup 2024/25: First Round Draw Confirmed – Key Fixtures, Analysis & Fan Reactions
The excitement for the new English football season is ramping up as the Carabao Cup first round draw for the 2024/25 campaign was officially conducted on Thursday evening. While Premier League sides, including defending champions Newcastle United, were absent from the draw, EFL clubs across the Championship, League One, and League Two discovered their opening round fates.
🔥 Headlining Fixtures
Coventry City vs Luton Town
A nostalgic repeat of the 2023 Championship play-off final, with both sides now eager to write a new chapter under changed circumstances.Leicester City vs Huddersfield Town (Away)
The Foxes, fresh off Premier League relegation, face a tricky test on the road as they begin their Carabao Cup redemption journey.Birmingham City vs Sheffield United
A fierce encounter between two sides with Premier League ambitions, and both with recent topflight experience.
🗂️ Full First Round Fixtures
🧭 Southern Section:
Coventry City vs Luton Town
Bristol City vs MK Dons
Bromley vs Ipswich Town
Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge United
Leyton Orient vs Wycombe Wanderers
Watford vs Norwich City (East Anglia Derby alert!)
Charlton Athletic vs Stevenage
Oxford United vs Colchester United
Barnet/Newport County vs Millwall
Cardiff City vs Swindon Town
Gillingham vs AFC Wimbledon
Northampton Town vs Southampton
Cheltenham Town vs Exeter
Plymouth Argyle vs QPR
Swansea City vs Crawley Town
Portsmouth vs Reading
🧭 Northern Section:
Barrow vs Preston North End
Grimsby Town vs Shrewsbury Town
Blackpool vs Port Vale
Salford City vs Rotherham
Harrogate Town vs Lincoln City
Tranmere Rovers vs Burton Albion
Stockport County vs Crewe Alexandra
Huddersfield Town vs Leicester City
Wrexham vs Hull City
Birmingham City vs Sheffield United
Stoke City vs Walsall
Accrington Stanley/Oldham Athletic vs Peterborough United
Blackburn Rovers vs Bradford City
Middlesbrough vs Doncaster Rovers
West Brom vs Derby County
Bolton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday
Chesterfield vs Mansfield Town
Barnsley vs Fleetwood Town
Wigan Athletic vs Notts County
📣 Opinion: A Platform for Underdogs and Dreams
The Carabao Cup may not carry the prestige of the Premier League or the FA Cup, but its early rounds offer something unique—drama, giant-killings, and Cinderella stories.
Fans from lower-tier clubs look forward to these moments, where a League Two side can knock out a Championship contender or rekindle old rivalries under the floodlights.
With Leicester looking to restore pride, and Coventry vs Luton sparking déjà vu memories, this year’s Cup could spring even more surprises than usual.
🗨️ Fan Buzz on Social Media
@FootyFrenzyUK: “That Coventry vs Luton draw feels personal. Fireworks incoming. #CarabaoCup”
@LCFC_Gary: “Away to Huddersfield? Not easy but perfect for testing our new squad. Let’s go Foxes! 🦊”
@EFLChatter: “Don’t sleep on Wrexham vs Hull. Hollywood vs Championship. 👀⚽️”
🗓️ When is the First Round?
The Carabao Cup First Round matches will take place in early August, typically the week commencing August 12, 2024.
💬 Who do you think will cause the biggest upset in Round One? Any underdog picks or dark horses this season? Drop your predictions below!
#EFL #CarabaoCupDraw #FootballNews #CupMagic #EFLCup2024
