EFL Cup Round 3 Matchday • Wednesday September 23, 2026
Knockout cup football continues tonight as our certified Carabao Cup tonight preview breaks down Arsenal hosting Bolton and Liverpool battling West Ham at Anfield.
Premier League title contenders turn their attention to domestic cup glory this evening across England. Reading our comprehensive Carabao Cup tonight preview reveals heavy squad rotations, rising teenage phenoms handed competitive starts, and tactical changes designed to protect starters ahead of grueling weekend league fixtures. With single-elimination penalty shootouts looming after ninety minutes, no team can afford complacency.
Wednesday Night Fixtures, Kickoff Times and Broadcast Info
Consulting the matchday schedule analyzed in our Carabao Cup tonight preview provides vital broadcast information for tonight’s clashes:
| Matchup | Venue | Kickoff (BST / IST) | Broadcast Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers | Emirates Stadium, London | 19:45 BST (12:15 AM IST) | Sky Sports+ / FanCode |
| Liverpool vs West Ham United | Anfield, Liverpool | 20:00 BST (12:30 AM IST) | Sky Sports Main Event |
To see how Manchester City and Chelsea handled their Tuesday fixtures alongside Pep Guardiola’s Rodri injury update, read our Carabao Cup Round 3 results and matchday recap.
Predicted Lineups: Teenage Starts and Chiesa Debut
Examining the tactical sheet in our Carabao Cup tonight preview points toward significant manager rotations across both dugouts:
Arsenal Tactical News (vs Bolton):
- Goalkeeper Crisis: With David Raya nursing a thigh knock and Neto cup-tied, 16-year-old Jack Porter is set to make his historic first-team debut in goal.
- Academy Prodigy: 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri starts in midfield alongside Jorginho.
- Raheem Sterling: Set for his full Arsenal debut on the left wing following his deadline day switch.
Liverpool Tactical News (vs West Ham):
- Federico Chiesa: Italian winger is confirmed by Arne Slot to make his first competitive start for the Reds.
- Caoimhin Kelleher: Retains his spot between the posts with Alisson Becker recovering from hamstring stiffness.
- Cody Gakpo: Expected to spearhead the frontline alongside Diogo Jota.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wednesday Cup Ties
When is the Carabao Cup Round 4 draw taking place?
The fourth-round draw will be conducted live on Sky Sports immediately following the final whistle of Liverpool vs West Ham tonight.
Is extra time used if tonight’s matches end in a draw?
No extra time is played. Any game tied at full time will proceed immediately to a penalty shootout.
Is VAR in operation during Round 3 ties?
No. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is not implemented in the Carabao Cup until the semi-final stages.
Fan Matchday Outlook and Score Predictions
With silverware on the line, stay tuned to EsportPort for live goal alerts, player ratings, and draw updates concluding our Carabao Cup tonight preview coverage. Which Premier League giant will deliver the most dominant display? Post your predictions below!
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