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    Carabao Cup third-round draw set for MAJOR change due to expanded new Champions League schedule

    THE Carabao Cup third-round draw is set for a major change due to the Champions League.The round of the tournament will see clubs competing in European competition enter the draw.The draw for the third-round of the Carabao Cup will be changedCredit: GettyClubs in European competition will not be able to be drawn against each otherCredit: GettyLiverpool are the current holders of the Carabao CupCredit: GettyArsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United Chelsea and Tottenham all received a bye into the third round due to their qualification into Europe.The next round will take place in September across two-midweek fixture dates.Due to this scheduling, they will clash with the fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League.However, the EFL has implemented a change to the draw to avoid congestion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe conditions will mean that a club in the Champions League will not be drawn against a team in the Europa League.This means that their Carabao Cup matches will happen on the alternative week to their European obligations.The draw will feature two different bowls to make sure the teams can be drawn correctly.The first bowl will include the six clubs in the Champions League and Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe second bowl will then have the remaining 26 clubs left in the competition.There will be a pre-draw before Nottingham Forest’s second-round tie against Newcastle on August 28 to determine the home and away position of the Bowl One clubs.PREM RULE CHANGESNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.The main draw will then be conducted after the match at the City Ground.The first six ties will be drawn by alternating between the bowls, with home and away already being determined. Once all the European teams have been drawn, the remainder of the draw will be taken from the second bowl.The ball numbers in the main draw will be announced on the morning of August 28.Liverpool are the current holders of the EFL Cup, having beaten Chelsea in the final at Wembley last term.The Champions League will feature a new format this season as each club will play a minimum of eight games compared to the previous six in the group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year’s tournament will have a bigger 24-club league table, with the top eight clubs automatically qualifying for the knockout stage.They will then be joined in the last 16 by eight play-off winners.Champions League potsHere are the pots for the Champions League this season…Pot 1: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, BarcelonaPot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, MilanPot 3: Feyenoord, Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven, CelticPot 4: Monaco, Aston Villa, Bologna, Girona, VfB Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, Brest More

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    Carabao Cup fixtures give Gameweek 2 added edge but gaffers should be wary of shortsightedness

    DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that 13 Premier League teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 2.Only those sides that qualified for Europe will not participate in the Carabao Cup second round next week, after a full round of top flight fixtures across Saturday and Sunday.Many Dream Team bosses will be hopeful of midweek points in Gameweek 2Credit: Dream TeamTo clarify, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are the seven teams with just one fixture in Gameweek 2.It should go without saying that it would be short-sighted to ditch players from these clubs in favour of those with two games to fulfil this coming Gameweek as it won’t be long before gaffers should be targeting the European fixtures – in fact it’s a good idea to have one eye on Gameweek 4 already.But the additional cup fixtures should be taken into account.For example, those thinking of replacing one of their players who might be about to play 180 minutes with an asset who will play just once may want to delay such a switch until Gameweek 3.Generally speaking, more minutes on the pitch equals more points.Isak is the highest-owned player with two fixtures in Gameweek 2 but will he start in the Carabao Cup?Credit: GettyGAMEWEEK 2 FIXTURESBrighton v Manchester UnitedCrystal Palace v West HamFulham v LeicesterManchester City v IpswichSouthampton v Nottingham ForestTottenham v EvertonAston Villa v ArsenalBournemouth v NewcastleWolves v ChelseaLiverpool v BrentfordBrighton v CrawleyEverton v DoncasterLeicester v TranmereBirmingham v FulhamCrystal Palace v NorwichWolves v BurnleyAFC Wimbledon v IpswichCardiff v SouthamptonColchester v BrentfordWest Ham v BournemouthNottingham Forest v NewcastleMost read in FootballFor ease, here are all the double headers:Brighton: Man United (h), Crawley (h)Everton: Spurs (a), Doncaster (h)Crystal Palace: West Ham (h), Norwich (h)Bournemouth: Newcastle (h), West Ham (a)Wolves: Chelsea (h), Burnley (h)Newcastle: Bournemouth (a), Nottingham Forest (a)Fulham: Leicester (h), Birmingham (a)Southampton: Nottingham Forest (h), Cardiff (a)Brentford: Liverpool (a), Colchester (a)Ipswich: Man City (a), Wimbledon (a)West Ham: Crystal Palace (a), Bournemouth (h)Leicester: Fulham (a), Tranmere (h)Nottingham Forest: Southampton (a), Newcastle (h)Rotation is to be expected across the board in the Carabao Cup but the likes of Alexander Isak (£5m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m), Anthony Gordon (£4.5m), Emile Smith Rowe (£2.5m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m) have the capacity to earn points from cameo appearances off the bench against weaker opposition in midweek.Eze banked plenty of points in the Carabao Cup second round last seasonCredit: RexAnother important difference in Gameweek 2 concerns the deadline.All gaffers should be aware that the cut-off time for making transfers and electing their captain (plus any Boosters they wish to play) is 11am this Saturday – 90 minutes before Brighton v Man United kicks off.The Gameweek 1 deadline coincided with the first fixture getting underway but that was just to help out those who were caught out by the Friday night scheduling.For the rest of the season, the Gameweek deadline will fall 90 minutes before the first fixture begins – so don’t leave it late when confirming your strategy!’Ben Brereton Diaz is a disgrace and should face charge with Schar’ | The Whistleblower, Mark Halsey More

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    Which teams have the easiest August fixtures? Smart Dream Team bosses will target favourable match-ups

    WITH £5,000 up for grabs in Gameweek 1, many Dream Team managers will understandably be focused on the first round of Premier League games when locking in their selections.However, it’s also wise to consider the first few weeks of the new campaign as a whole when choosing players.Two transfers per Gameweek allows for a certain degree of flexibility but smart gaffers will always look ahead when devising their strategies.PLAY DREAM TEAM TODAY – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!Start the new season in style by checking the fixtures ahead of timeWith that in mind, let’s look at the fixtures for the first three Gameweeks of the season, covering August, for all 20 Premier League clubs.ARSENALWolves (h)Aston Villa (a)Brighton (h)A moderate start for last season’s runners-up.The Villains are the only team to beat the Gunners in the league since the turn of the year – in fact, Unai Emery’s side did the double over them last season.ASTON VILLAMost read in FootballWest Ham (a)Arsenal (h)Leicester (a)Villa’s pre-season wasn’t the most convincing and it remains to be seen to what extent key man Ollie Watkins (£6m) will be thrown straight in having been given an extended rest after Euro 2024.As already mentioned, they took six points off Arsenal in 2023/24 but a trip to the Emirates is a daunting prospect nonetheless – a difficult match-up to predict this early.BOURNEMOUTHNottingham Forest (a)Newcastle (h)West Ham (a)Everton (a)The thing to note here is that the Cherries’ trip to the London Stadium is a Carabao Cup second round fixture.All the top-flight clubs not participating in Europe have two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 2.Andoni Iraola will have to adapt to life without Dominic Solanke (£4m), who scored 21 goals in all competitions last time out.Solanke is a big miss for BournemouthCredit: RexBRENTFORDCrystal Palace (h)Liverpool (a)Colchester (a)Southampton (h)The Bees have a few injuries to contend with and the uncertainty over Ivan Toney’s (£4m) future probably isn’t doing their preparations much good either.If the Eagles pick up where they left off then Thomas Frank’s side could find life hard going to begin with as they travel to Anfield for their second outing.The second half of the month looks considerably more friendly.BRIGHTONEverton (a)Manchester United (h)Crawley (h)Arsenal (a)The Seagulls have looked good in pre-season and will hope to take advantage of the injury-ravaged hosts at Goodison Park this weekend.A perfect cup draw against local rivals from League One is offset by meetings with two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs either side of it – although Brighton have a decent record against the Red Devils in recent years.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today!CHELSEAManchester City (h)Wolves (a)Crystal Palace (h)A visit from the defending champions represents a tough start for the Blues, especially as Pep Guardiola’s beat them in a friendly just a few weeks ago.It’s difficult to get a read on Chelsea amid the constant whirlwind of transfer activity and managerial changes but Cole Palmer (£6m) is set to start the campaign as the second-most popular player in Dream Team.CRYSTAL PALACEBrentford (a)West Ham (h)Norwich (h)Chelsea (a)Oliver Glasner’s men finished last season with six wins from the last seven games and while they’ve lost Michael Olise, the likes of Eberechi Eze (£4.5m), Marc Guehi (£3.5m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£3.5m) remain… for now at least.Palace don’t have the easiest set of fixtures this month but they won’t be too fearful either.Palace fans are desperate to hold onto EzeCredit: GettyEVERTONBrighton (h)Tottenham (a)Doncaster (h)Bournemouth (h)The Toffees have the benefit of three home games out of their first four, which might offset their injury absentees to some degree.Sean Dyche’s side kept things tight at the back last season but lacked firepower up top.A trip to Spurs might be hard work but games against Brighton and Bournemouth should provide an indication of where Everton are at right now.FULHAMManchester United (a)Leicester (h)Birmingham (a)Ipswich (a)The Cottagers help get the new season underway at 8pm this evening.After that, they’ve got two newly-promoted teams and a Carabao Cup game against a second-tier outfit – rather friendly all things considered.Gameweek 1 starts with Fulham away to Manchester UnitedCredit: FulhamFCIPSWICHLiverpool (h)Manchester City (a)AFC Wimbledon (a)Fulham (h)Talk about a baptism of fire!The Tractor Boys will have to fight tooth and nail to avoid a pair of shellackings first up.LEICESTERTottenham (h)Fulham (a)Tranmere (h)Aston Villa (h)Like Everton, the Foxes only have one away day across their first four fixtures.Most pundits aren’t expecting much from the Championship winners, especially with a potential points deduction looming, but they have some talented players in their ranks.Having to play two of last season’s top five early doors isn’t ideal.LIVERPOOLIpswich (a)Brentford (h)Manchester United (a)Many Dream Team bosses will be expecting big things from Mohamed Salah (£7m) and company this Saturday.The Reds’ fixtures look relatively favourable until mid-October if truth be told but it’s worth noting they’ve only won twice at Old Trafford in the league in the last ten seasons.Salah is always among the best Dream Team performersCredit: AlamyMANCHESTER CITYChelsea (a)Ipswich (h)West Ham (a)Is there such a thing as a hard fixture for a team that has won the league four times in a row?Gaffers will be expecting a massive haul from Erling Haaland at home to Ipswich in Gameweek 2.MANCHESTER UNITEDFulham (h)Brighton (a)Liverpool (h)Erik ten Hag admitted that his side were “not ready” for the new season in his press conference, which hardly breeds confidence.Liverpool is clearly the first ‘big’ fixture but Man United fans will know not to underestimate Fulham or Brighton, two teams that won at Old Trafford last season.NEWCASTLESouthampton (h)Bournemouth (a)Nottingham Forest (a)Tottenham (h)Both Alexander Isak (£5m) and Anthony Gordon (£4.5m) are among the eight most-selected assets in Dream Team at the time of writing – that’s a solid indication of what’s expected of the Magpies out the gate.Eddie Howe will be quietly confident of a fast start, especially as Spurs lost 4-0 and 6-1 upon their last two visits to St James’ Park.Popular selectionsCredit: ReutersNOTTINGHAM FORESTBournemouth (h)Southampton (a)Newcastle (h)Wolves (h)Given the match-up with Newcastle is a Carabao Cup fixture, this has to be considered a favourable start for Forest.That being said, Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops finished 17th last season so expectations have to be realistic.Managers taking a punt on Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.5m) will be hopeful of healthy returns this month. SOUTHAMPTONNewcastle (a)Nottingham Forest (h)Cardiff (a)Brentford (a)As play-off winners who shipped 63 goals during the regular Championship campaign, expectations in the top flight aren’t all that high for Saints among neutrals for 2024/25.However, once the long journey to Newcastle is done, their next three games aren’t particularly intimidating and the outlook would change quickly with some positive results.TOTTENHAMLeicester (a)Everton (h)Newcastle (a)Ange Postecoglou’s men stormed out of the blocks last season and they couldn’t have asked much more from the fixture computer than a newly-promoted team first up this time around.Five Spurs players have an ownership of at least 10% prior to Gameweek 1, suggesting gaffers have high hopes.As previously mentioned, Newcastle away has been a bogey fixture of late.Pedro Porro is a widely-selected defender ahead of Gamdweek 1Credit: ReutersWEST HAMAston Villa (h)Crystal Palace (a)Bournemouth (h)Manchester City (h)The Hammers have seemingly recruited well this summer but their first few league fixtures are relatively tricky.Villa finished fourth in 2023/24, Palace have shown signs of immense improvement, and City are the dominant multi-champions.How Julen Lopetegui would love a win in front of the home fans this Saturday…WOLVESArsenal (a)Chelsea (h)Burnley (h)Nottingham Forest (a)READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a rough start for Wolves too, made even harder by the sale of Pedro Neto (£3.5m).The second half of the month evens out but they may have to suffer first. 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    Carabao Cup draw LIVE: West Ham to face Bournemouth and Millwall drawn at home to Leyton Orient – latest updates

    THE Carabao Cup will see 13 Premier League teams enter at the second round stage with the draw now complete. There are three all-Premier League ties including West Ham vs Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle. Elsewhere, Millwall were drawn against Leyton Orient and Brighton will host Crawley. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSecond round drawHere is the complete second round draw for this season’s Carabao Cup.Second round drawSouth section:Coventry vs OxfordSwansea vs WycombeWimbledon vs IpswichBirmingham vs FulhamWatford vs PlymouthWest Ham vs BournemouthQPR vs LutonBrighton vs CrawleyCrystal Palace vs NorwichCardiff vs SouthamptonMillwall vs Leyton OrientColchester vs BrentfordNorth section:Grimsby vs Sheffield WednesdayEverton vs DoncasterBlackburn vs BlackpoolFleetwood vs RotherhamShrewsbury vs BoltonNottingham Forest vs NewcastleBarrow vs DerbyLeicester vs TranmereMiddlesbrough vs StokeBarnsley vs Sheffield UnitedHarrogate vs PrestonWalsall vs HuddersfieldWolves vs BurnleyCopy linkCopiedWolves vs BurnleyCopy linkCopiedWalsall vs HuddersfieldCopy linkCopiedHarrogate vs PrestonCopy linkCopiedBarnsley vs Sheffield UnitedCopy linkCopiedMiddlesbrough vs StokeCopy linkCopiedLeicester vs TranmereCopy linkCopiedBarrow vs DerbyCopy linkCopiedNottingham Forest vs NewcastleCopy linkCopiedShrewsbury vs BoltonCopy linkCopiedFleetwood vs RotherhamCopy linkCopiedBlackburn vs BlackpoolCopy linkCopiedEverton vs DoncasterCopy linkCopiedGrimsby vs Sheffield WednesdayCopy linkCopiedTime for north sectionThat concludes the draw for the south section, here comes the north section.Copy linkCopiedColchester vs BrentfordCopy linkCopiedMillwall vs Leyton OrientCopy linkCopiedCardiff vs SouthamptonCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace vs NorwichCopy linkCopiedBrighton vs CrawleyCopy linkCopiedQPR vs LutonCopy linkCopiedWest Ham vs BournemouthCopy linkCopiedWatford vs PlymouthCopy linkCopiedBirmingham vs FulhamCopy linkCopiedWimbledon vs IpswichCopy linkCopied More

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    Carabao Cup clash suspended after 20 minutes due to sprinklers as fans say ‘what kind of timewasting is this?’

    COLCHESTER’S Carabao Cup game with Reading had to be suspended yesterday after their ground’s sprinklers malfunctioned.The game was forced to pause at the 20 minute mark after sprinklers emerged from the ground and soaked the pitch.Colchester went on to win the game on penaltiesCredit: X/ @ColU_officialPlayers were seen jumping out the way of the oncoming water as they tried to keep dry.And on a sweltering Essex night, some players even took advantage of the situation and splashed water on themselves to cool off.The sprinklers interrupted a game that went on to be an early round Carabao Cup thriller.One fan joked: “Sprinklers on after 20 minutes, what sort of time wasting is this 🤣”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTom Hopper opened the scoring for Colchester after three minutes before the sprinklers interrupted proceedings.Jack Payne then put Colchester 2-0 up when he converted his penalty after 55 minutes.But Reading were able to pull themselves back into the game after Charlie Savage, son of Robbie Savage, scored a wonder goal.Lewis Wing then equalised for the Royals to send the game to penalties.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Colchester managed to pull off a shock victory and went on to win 4-3 on pens.A league stands between the two teams with Colchester in League Two and Reading in League One.Colchester will find out who they are facing in the next round today at 10:15pm.13 Premier League teams will enter the tournament at the second round stage of the tournament. More

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    When is the Carabao Cup second round draw? Date, time, TV channel and live stream as Premier League sides enter the hat

    THE 2024/25 Carabao Cup gets underway this week – with some blockbuster ties kicking off the competition.Sheffield United take on Wrexham at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, while Championship powerhouses Leeds and Middlesbrough go head-to-head on Wednesday evening.Liverpool are the reigning Carabao Cup championsCredit: GETTYA total of 32 round one ties will take place across Tuesday and Wednesday this week.Burnley and Luton will enter the hat for the second round draw alongside the 13 Premier League clubs that are not competing in Europe this season.The other seven top flight sides with European commitments will join the competition in the third round.SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the Carabao Cup second round draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is the Carabao Cup second round draw?The Carabao Cup second round draw will take place following the conclusion of Leeds vs Middlesbrough on Wednesday, August 14.The draw is set to take place at approximately 10.15pm BST.The draw will remain regionalised, with the draw split into southern and northern sections until round three.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup second round draw on and can it be live streamed?The Carabao Cup second round draw will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football.Sky Sports customers can live stream the action via the NOW app/website or the Sky Sports app/website.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the draw by following SunSport’s live blog.When will the Carabao Cup second round fixtures take place?Carabao Cup second round ties will take place the week commencing August 26.Fixtures will likely be scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28.Sky Sports customers can broadcast every Carabao Cup match via Sky Sports Plus. More

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    What is Sky Sports+? How can I watch it, what does it mean for iFollow and how many EFL matches are shown?

    SKY SPORTS have launched a brand new service – and fans of the EFL are in for a treat!Every Carabao Cup game plus four times the amount of EFL games will be available this season on Sky Sports+.Championship games are live on Sky Sports+Credit: PAWhat is Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ provides Sky Sports subscribers with 50 per cent more sport at no extra cost, according to Sky.This includes EFL coverage, with more than 1,000 live matches and every Carabao Cup fixture, as well as all games from the men’s rugby Super League.Meanwhile, tennis fans will have access to more than 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP, and WTA tours.What is on Sky Sports+?Watch your EFL team over 20 times a season, liveEnjoy over 1,000 live EFL games, including every Carabao Cup fixtureWatch every match from the men’s Rugby Super LeagueOver 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP and WTA tours Offers the capability to show up to 100 events concurrentlyHow can I watch Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ is now available on Sky TV and on the Sky Sports mobile app for full Sky Sports subscribers.Just select the game you want to watch on the Sky TV homepage, which will show all current live matches to to stream.You can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club and it will show what games are available.Additionally, non-Sky TV subscribers can purchase a NOW.TV subscription which will provide access to all of the Sky Sports+ streams.What does it mean for iFollow?Sky Sports have said in a statement that Sky Sports+ has replaced iFollow in the UK.Most read in EFLSky said: “iFollow and club streams will cease to offer coverage of EFL matches in the UK & Ireland.”Instead, all televised matches will be live on Sky Sports via Sky and streaming service NOW each season. All 72 teams will be featured over 20 times a season on Sky Sports.” More

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    Carabao Cup first round draw in full as Leeds, Wrexham and Co learn opponents for new campaign

    THE Carabao Cup first round draw has been completed.And it has thrown up some tasty ties despite no Premier League clubs being involved.The Carabao Cup first round draw has been madeCredit: GettyThe draw took place live on Sky Sports NewsThe two sides were divided into Northern and Southern sections, with the eevnt taking place on Sky Sports News.And it was the latter that went first, with Portsmouth drawing Millwall and Charlton landing Birmingham.Other big clashes saw Cambridge Utd host QPR.While MK Dons will travel to local rivals Watford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNext up it was the turn of the Northern sides.The highlight of the draw was a fearsome battle between Leeds and Middlesbrough.Hollywood-owned Wrexham will travel to Sheffield United.And Preston North End will welcome Sunderland.Most read in EFLEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSouthern drawCambridge Utd vs QPRWalsall vs ExeterCrawley Town vs Swindon TownOxford Utd vs PeterboroughNorwich vs StevenageBromley vs AFC WimbledonPortsmouth vs MillwallNorthampton Town vs Wycombe WanderersBristol City vs CoventryCardiff vs Bristol RoversCharlton vs BirminghamWatford vs MK DonsSwansea vs GillinghamPlymouth Argyle vs CheltenhamLeyton Orient vs NewportColchester Utd vs ReadingAll games will be played on the week commencing August 12.And fans will be eager to see their favourite EFL stars back in action after the summer break.LIVERPOOL stars danced the night away to Dua Lipa as they celebrated their Carabao Cup win over Chelsea The Carabao Cup is currently held by Liverpool, who beat Chelsea 1-0 in extra time at Wembley.The last time a non-Premier League club appeared in the final was 2013, when League Two Bradford were beaten 5-0 by Swansea.And the only time a team outside the top flight won it – or any major trophy – was in 1991 when Sheffield Wednesday of the Second Division beat Manchester United 1-0.Northern drawSalford vs DoncasterRotherham vs Crewe AlexandraCarlisle vs Stoke CityLeeds vs MiddlesbroughBarrow vs Port ValeBurton Albion vs BlackpoolTranmere Rovers vs Accrington StanleyFleetwood vs West BromShrewsbury Town vs Notts CountyLincoln vs HarrogateDerby vs ChesterfieldBolton vs Mansfield TownPreston vs SunderlandSheffield Utd vs WrexhamHuddersfield vs MorecambeWigan vs BarnsleyHull City vs Sheffield WedsStockport County vs Blackburn RoversGrimsby Town vs Bradford City More