EFL Cup Preview: Northampton Town host Man Utd, Accrington visit West Ham

It’s the third round of the EFL Cup this week with all the Premier League sides now entering the competition and there are some crackers to look forward to.

The biggest has to be Northampton Town’s dream home tie against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. After a stunning penalty shootout victory against West Brom in the second round, The Cobblers will welcome The Red Devils to Sixfields much to the delight of manager Rob Page, who stated that “half the Rhondda Valley” wants tickets to this game.

When talking to BBC Radio Northampton, he went on to say “I’ve had a couple of pals texting me talking about when we used to collect the Panini stickers.

Mourinho’s Red Devils have suffered three straight defeats in all competitions on the bounce – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

“There was a couple of Tottenham and Liverpool fans, and I was Manchester United. It’s great to have those memories, I’ve always looked out for their results.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players and they deserve that for the performance the other night.”

Elsewhere; Accrington Stanley have been served up a lucrative tie as they’ll take on West Ham United after a fantastic victory against Burnley in the last round. It’s likely to be an occasion to remember for the League Two outfit as they’ll get a fantastic experience at the London Stadium.

Not everybody was happy with their draw though as was evident with Lee Johnson’s Bristol City and their tie against Fulham. Johnson admitted to BBC Radio Bristol that his reaction was “meh”.

Johnson went on to say, “It’s one of those where you’re watching the draw and you go ‘oh no’.

“I’m sure they [Fulham] did that as well. That’s no disrespect to Fulham. It’s just, what do you want from the round, ideally?

“Well, you want a minnow at home or you want a top Premier League team away.”

League One Gillingham also find themselves with an exciting tie as they’ll travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham. The Gills’ league form is indifferent to say the least, but a stunning victory away to Watford in the second round will certainly lift their hopes.

There are also some cracking ties between the teams higher up the football tier with Premier League champions Leicester City hosting Chelsea, while current holders Manchester City head to Swansea City and Crystal Palace take on Southampton.

Justin Edinburgh’s Gills travel to Premier League side Tottenham on Wednesday night – Photo: Offside.

EFL Cup Third Round fixture list:

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

Leeds United vs Blackburn Rovers

Queens Park Rangers vs Sunderland

West Ham United vs Accrington Stanley

Southampton vs Crystal Palace

Swansea City vs Manchester City

Fulham vs Bristol City

AFC Bournemouth vs Preston North End

Tottenham vs Gillingham

Everton vs Norwich City

Derby County vs Liverpool

Northampton Town vs Manchester United

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Reading

Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Stoke City vs Hull City

Leicester City vs Chelsea