Chelsea Carabao Cup hopes hinge on Alonso’s Luton tie

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign begins with a home tie against League One Luton Town in the second round, scheduled for the week of 26 August, while eleven Premier League clubs also enter at this stage and clubs in European competition receive a bye to the third round, giving new manager Xabi Alonso his first chance to chase the trophy since 2015.

Eleven Premier clubs enter at second round

Eleven Premier League clubs have entered the competition at this stage, expanding the field of potential challengers and ensuring a strong early‑round lineup. The draw also paired Tottenham Hotspur with Charlton Athletic, Fulham with AFC Wimbledon, Brentford with Birmingham City and West Ham United travelling to Southampton.

European clubs receive a bye

Clubs competing in European competition this season receive a bye to the third round, preserving their schedule for continental duties. This exemption means they avoid the congested early‑round fixtures that the newly entered Premier clubs will face.

Draw night sets the stage for Chelsea and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup

The second‑round draw was published at 20:20 BST on 10 August 2026 and amended three minutes later at 20:23 BST. All ties are set for the week commencing 26 August, with matches spread throughout that period.

Chelsea will host Luton Town later this month, giving Xabi Alonso his first opportunity to lift the Carabao Cup since his predecessor’s 2015 triumph. A successful result would mark a pivotal moment early in his tenure.

Robert Sanchez sees calm Chelsea title push under Xabi Alonso

The report was filed by football reporter Tara Anson‑Walsh.