As the sun sets on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the football world turns its gaze to the Carabao Cup second-round draw, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for thrilling encounters and potential giant-killings. Scheduled to commence at approximately 7:20?pm BST, just before the Birmingham City versus Sheffield United clash, this draw is more than a mere formality—it's the prologue to narratives of ambition, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Where to Witness the Drama Unfold
For fans eager to experience the draw live, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports News will provide comprehensive coverage. Subscribers can also stream the event via the Sky Go app, ensuring that no one misses out on the unfolding drama. (https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-is-carabao-cup-draw-start-time-today-ball-numbers-tv-channel-second-round-b1242371.html?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-is-carabao-cup-draw-start-time-today-ball-numbers-tv-channel-second-round-b1242371.html?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">standard.co.uk)
The Contenders: A Blend of Hopefuls and Heavyweights
The second round introduces 11 Premier League clubs not participating in European competitions, joining the victors from the first round. The draw remains regionalised, with teams divided into Northern and Southern sections to minimise travel and foster local rivalries. (https://www.charltonafc.com/news/carabao-cup-second-round-draw-details?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.charltonafc.com/news/carabao-cup-second-round-draw-details?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">charltonafc.com)
Northern Section Ball Numbers:
1. Accrington Stanley
2. Bradford City
3. Burnley
4. Derby County
5. Doncaster Rovers
6. Everton
7. Grimsby Town
8. Leeds United
9. Lincoln City
10. Manchester United
11. Mansfield Town
12. Port Vale
13. Preston North End
14. Rotherham United
15. Stockport County
16. Stoke City
17. Sunderland
18. Wigan Athletic
19. Wrexham
20. Barnsley or Fleetwood Town
21. Birmingham City or Sheffield United
22. Bolton Wanderers or Sheffield Wednesday
23. Huddersfield Town or Leicester City
24. Tranmere Rovers or Burton Albion
Southern Section Ball Numbers:
1. AFC Bournemouth
2. AFC Wimbledon
3. Brentford
4. Brighton & Hove Albion
5. Bristol City
6. Bromley
7. Cambridge United
8. Cardiff City
9. Charlton Athletic
10. Coventry City
11. Fulham
12. Millwall
13. Norwich City
14. Oxford United
15. Plymouth Argyle
16. Reading
17. Southampton
18. Swansea City
19. West Ham United
20. Wolverhampton Wanderers
21. Wycombe Wanderers
22. Cheltenham Town or Exeter City
(https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-is-carabao-cup-draw-start-time-today-ball-numbers-tv-channel-second-round-b1242371.html?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/when-is-carabao-cup-draw-start-time-today-ball-numbers-tv-channel-second-round-b1242371.html?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">standard.co.uk)
Anticipation Builds: Potential Clashes and Storylines
The Carabao Cup has a storied history of providing a platform for lower-league teams to challenge the elite, creating moments of magic and upsets that are etched into football folklore. As the draw unfolds, managers and players alike will be strategising, hoping for favourable matchups that could pave their path to Wembley.
For clubs like Wrexham, recently promoted and eager to make a mark, the draw offers a chance to test their mettle against higher-tier opposition. Conversely, Premier League sides entering at this stage must be wary; the early rounds have often been a stumbling block for top-flight teams underestimating their lower-league counterparts.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Glory
The second-round ties are scheduled for the week commencing Monday, August 25, 2025. Each fixture will be a chapter in the unfolding narrative of this season's Carabao Cup, a competition that continues to captivate with its blend of tradition, unpredictability, and the sheer passion of English football.
As the clock ticks closer to the draw, the football community stands united in anticipation, ready to embrace the drama, the dreams, and the inevitable surprises that the Carabao Cup unfailingly delivers.
