THE Carabao Cup second-round draw has concluded – and we have some tasty ties on the cards.
Chelsea will face AFC Wimbledon, while Tottenham will travel to Premier League rivals Fulham.
Hollywood-owned Wrexham will face fellow League Two side Bradford at the Racecourse.
- Draw time: 10:15pm BST (approx)
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/ Sky Sports Football
- FREE live stream: Sky Sports Football’s official YouTube channel
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Carabao Cup second round draw…
Burton 0 Leicester 2
Relegated Leicester avoided suffering from Brewers’ drop as Enzo Maresca’s new look team earned a trip to Tranmere – with Kelechi Iheanacho showing the gulf in class thanks to a sensational opener.
The Foxes squeezed the home defence with a high press to win back possession and Dennis Praet set up the cross for skipper Marc Albrighton.
Kelechi Iheanacho delivers a deft opener for the FoxesCredit: Rex His delicate cenre into the heart of the Burton box caught defenders Jake Caprice and John Brayford busy ball-watching, allowing Iheanacho to ghost between them.
On the plus side, they had a perfect view of Iheanacho’s magical finish as the Nigerian conjured up a mid-air backheel volley with his back to goal to leave ‘keeper Jamal Blackman gasping.
Classy or just plain cocky, it set the tone as Burton were forced to chase shadows for most of the night.
Dino Maamria’s boys hung on grimly and almost snatched an equaliser on 45 minutes when Ryan Sweeney’s header was hurtling towards the net until Callum Doyle stuck out a leg to clear.
Leicester’s response was swift, slick and merciless as Doyle then played a quick free kick which caught Burton napping.
Iheanacho sprinted clear and drew Blackman from his goal before setting up Wilfred Ndidi who expertly found the top corner to double the Foxes’ advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Burton’s 6ft 7″ goalie Blackman did well after the break to prevent Rekeem Harper from finding his own net from close range. Then Harry Winks fired a volley into a yellow wall of Burton defenders before departing to an ovation from his new Foxes fans.
Spurs fans keenest for a trophy push
Fulham vs Tottenham in the South and Nottingham Forest vs Burnley in the North are the all-Prem ties lighting up the second-round draw.
And ironically it’s fans of Spurs – one of the Big Six clubs, traditionally at least – who seem most keen on their side fielding as close to a full-strength side as possible.
That’s because Tottenham are trophyless for 15 years.
In contrast, Forest and Burnley supporters are far more focused on staying up in the Premier League.
Dons joy at bagging Blues
AFC Wimbledon fans are ecstatic at their reward for a late 2-1 comeback win over Championship side Coventry.
The League Two team will visit posh Prem neighbours Chelsea in the Carabao Cup second round.
“Get in, what a night that will be,” said one.
“Oh my god” and “unreal” were two responses.
And in a similar vein: “What a draw,” and “It’s happening”.
‘Things are about to get tasty, baby’
A Wrexham fan has labelled their manager’s second-round clash with old club Bradford as “When Parky vs Sparky”.
Phil Parkinson’s EFL new boys will take on League Two rivals Bradford, managed by Manchester United legend Mark ‘Sparky’ Hughes.
One supporter posted: “Vs Parkinson in the League Cup? Behave.”
Upbeat Dragons’ supporters added: “Round 3 here we come!” and “Sold out”
Wrexham’s Hollywood A-list owner Ryan Reynolds is of course well used to drama.
But one sensitive fan sounded like he might not be able to take Reynolds’ movies like Deadpool – judging by his reaction to the draw.
He wrote: “Thank God its not Cardiff my heart couldn’t handle that.”
But another supporter treated the pairing vs Bradford with a line worthy of the next Deadpool film: “Things are about to get tasty baby.”
Spurs fans beg Ange to take Fulham seriously
Tottenham fans are begging new boss Ange Postecoglou to take the Carabao Cup “seriously” after a “damn tough draw” at Prem rivals Fulham.
Frustrated Spurs supporters last enjoyed silverware with 2008 EFL Cup glory.
And one pleaded after tonight’s second-round draw: “Take. It. Serious.”
A second wrote: “Hopefully we take this competition seriously.”
A third sounded fired up for the derby: “Local game, places to play for.”
But a pessimistic fourth fan posted: “Damn tough draw early on.”
Southern Section
Bristol City v QPR or Norwich
Plymouth Argyle v Crystal Palace
Reading v Ipswich Town
Portsmouth v Peterborough United
Luton Town v Gillingham
Swansea City v Bournemouth
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
Exeter City v Stevenage
Wycombe Wanderers v Sutton United
Birmingham City v Cardiff City
Newport County v Brentford
Chelsea v AFC Wimbledon
Northern section
Tranmere Rovers v Leicester City
Salford City v Leeds United
Harrogate Town v Blackburn Rovers
Stoke City v Rotherham United
Wrexham v Bradford City
Doncaster Rovers v Everton
Bolton Wanderers v Middlesbrough
Port Vale v Crewe Alexandra
Nottingham Forest v Burnley
Sheffield Wednesday v Mansfield Town
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Blackpool
Sheffield United v Lincoln City
Recap of full draw…
Stick with us for all the matches.
Chelsea fans nervous after drawing Dons
Chelsea fans seemed to react with as much fear as joy after the Prem giants drew League Two ‘neighbours’ AFC Wimbledon in round two.
Fear – because they believe defeat would leave new boss Mauricio Pochettino with red faces.
Joy (for a few supporters) – as they reckon it gives Poch an excellent kickstart in his bid for silverware.
Representing the nervous side, one fan posted: “If we somehow lose this, we are never going to hear the end of it from rival fans.”
And on the positive front were messages like this: “Easy win” and “We can rotate”.
A more practical note was sounded by this supporter: “We go hard for this. It’s a must win.”
O’Neill having a ball…
Fans couldn’t believe Martin O’Neill’s antics as he did the draw.
The ex-Leicester boss appeared to talk to the balls rather than the microphone as he helped pick the second-round ties.
“So funny!” said one viewer,” and “What is he doing?!” asked MORE than one other.
Giant-Gillers again?
First-round “giantkillers” Gillingham have an intriguing trip to Prem newcomers Luton.
The Gills deservedly beat Championship side Southampton 3-1 last night.
So they must fancy their chances again as the Hatters are likely to rest players.
Southern section highlights
Fulham host Tottenham in an all-Prem clash.
And big-spending Chelsea take on League Two neighbours AFC Wimbledon.
Ties take place on the week commencing August 28.
Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon – DERBY!
Newport vs Brentford
Birmingham City vs Cardiff
Reading vs Ipswich
Plymouth vs Crystal Palace
Southern section…
Bristol City vs QPR/Norwich
That’s the Northern draw done
Nottingham Forest vs Burnley is surely the pick of the ties.
And Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson takes on old club Bradford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
