West Ham United's Carabao Cup campaign begins at the second round stage later this month, and we will discover who our first opponents will be in Wednesday's draw. Here's everything you need to know...
How come we enter at the second round?
As one of 13 Premier League sides not competing in European competition during 2024/25, we will enter the Carabao Cup at the second round, joining Burnley, Luton Town and the 35 EFL clubs who will have progressed through the first round, which features a regionalised split into a northern and southern section.
Tuesday’s ties saw few upsets, as recently-relegated Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City and EFL Championship newcomers Oxford United all safely progressed to the second round, with arguably the biggest shock arriving at Highbury Stadium, where League Two outfit Fleetwood Town overcame Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
When is the Carabao Cup second round draw?
The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup takes place on Wednesday 14 August, following the conclusion of the match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough, live on Sky Sports Football. In total, there are three first-round matches being contested on Wednesday evening.
What ball number are we?
West Ham United are ball number 22 in the southern section of Wednesday's draw.
Who could we face?
England's seven European representatives - Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur - are the only clubs yet to be involved in the competition by this stage, and they will enter in the third round.
As aforementioned, the Hammers will form part of the southern split in the second round, alongside top-flight rivals such as Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford.
EFL League Two clubs AFC Wimbledon and Colchester United are among the lowest ranked sides already through, while they could be joined by fellow fourth tier team Cheltenham Town, who face Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday night.
When will the second round ties be played?
The games will be played in the week commencing Monday 26 August. A confirmed date and kick-off time will be communicated in due course.
