With just Nottingham Forest or Leicester City still to book their place the draw for the Carling Cup Third Round has been made, piting a number of Premier League clubs against each other. The competition will be without a minimum of four top flight clubs for the next round, excluding any possible giant killings that may take place.

Blackburn Rovers will play newly promoted Birmingham City, while Liverpool have a trip to the Madjeski Stadium to play Reading. Spurs have to play host to Gareth Southgate’s Middlesbrough. Arsene Wenger will try to take his side to glory after defeat in last seasons final, starting with the visit of Sam Allardyce’s Toon Army. The last all Premier League tie is between Fulham and Bolton Wanderers.

Fresh from last years giant killing Manchester United will have to overcome Iain Dowie and his Coventry City team. While the reigning Carling Cup Champions Chelsea have to go to Hull and win if they are to retain the trophy this year.

Carling Cup Third Round Draw In Full

Blackburn v Birmingham
Reading v Liverpool
Manchester United v Coventry
Tottenham v Middlesbrough
Hull v Chelsea
Blackpool v Southend
West Ham v Plymouth
Arsenal v Newcastle
Luton v Charlton
Manchester City v Norwich
Sheffield United v Morecambe
Sheffield Wednesday v Everton
Fulham v Bolton
Burnley v Portsmouth
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest or Leicester
West Brom v Cardiff

Ties to be played week commencing 24 September.