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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 6 – more returns expected for bonus point hoarder Eberechi Eze

    GAMEWEEK 6 is a deceptive one for Dream Team gaffers to negotiate.On the surface, 17 of the 20 Premier League teams are set to pull double duty, making it the busiest Gameweek of the season so far.
    However, heavy rotation is to be expected in the midweek Carabao Cup fixtures, especially among the eight clubs balancing European commitments on top of the domestic schedule.
    Generally, it’s probably best to ensure your XI is set up for the next allotment of continental fixtures in Gameweek 7, when the majority of key players will be expected to start two games.
    However, that’s not to say there won’t be substantial points up for grabs in the coming days.
    Allow us to suggest some transfer recommendations…

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    UnplayableCredit: Reuters
    Julian Alvarez (£4.3m)
    We mentioned the Argentine forward in last week’s transfer suggestions article but it’s worth repeating because he’s just plundered 29 points in Gameweek 5.
    While popular strikers like Alexander Isak (£3.9m) and Nicolas Jackson (£2.6m) continue to frustrate, Alvarez goes from strength to strength – he toyed with Red Star on Tuesday night.
    Most read in Football
    Pep Guardiola described the World Cup winner as “almost undroppable” last weekend and with Bernardo Silva (£3.6m) the latest Manchester City star sidelined with injury, the treble-winners’ starting line-up is easier to predict than it has been in quite some time.
    Alvarez has four goals and five assists to his name from six outings and his overall tally of 59 points is only bettered by Erling Haaland (£8.2m) at the time of writing.
    Soaring EagleCredit: DREAM TEAM
    Eberechi Eze (£3.6m)
    Dream Team most passionate bonus point hoarder.
    Crystal Palace’s No10 has earned 17 bonus points in six outings, mostly because of his superb dribbling ability although he also ranks highly for accurate crosses and fouls won.
    Only three midfielders have registered more shots on target and just three midfielders have created more big chances.
    Eze is set to face Fulham at Selhurst Park in Gameweek 6 and while the Cottagers have tightened up in recent weeks, their underlying statistics still make for concerning reading – they give up plenty of chances.
    Not only that, the 25-year-old has a good chance of featuring against Manchester United in midweek – the Eagles don’t have European commitments to fulfil so they might as well give it a go in the domestic cups.
    The Red Devils have been wide open in midfield so far this season, something Eze is well equipped to exploit if given a run out.
    The England international may fall behind some of his rivals when the European games are on but he looks well placed to thrive again this Gameweek.

    Back-to-back clean sheets has catapulted Trippier up the rankingsCredit: Rex
    Kieran Trippier (£5.2m)
    Admittedly, this suggestion is powered by hindsight as it turns out last week was the perfect time to recruit last season’s outright best defender.
    The Newcastle full-back contributed to back-to-back clean sheets against Brentford and Milan – he made some crucial tackles in San Siro as his side were subjected to sustained pressure.
    Trippier banked 17 points to take his overall total to 32 – Cristian Romero (£4.1m) is the only defender with more points at this stage.
    This weekend, Eddie Howe’s men travel to Bramall Lane to face a Sheffield United outfit who have taken just one point from a possible 15 this season.
    Not only that, the Blades have looked vulnerable at set-pieces, one of Trippier’s specialities.
    The 33-year-old could make it three clean sheets in a row with some attacking returns to boot.
    It should be noted that Newcastle play Man City in midweek but that’s a less intimidating prospect in the environment of the Carabao Cup – both managers may opt to give some youngsters a run out.
    Looking slightly further ahead, Trippier starts Gameweek 7 with a home fixture against Burnley.
    SimmeringCredit: Reuters
    Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m)
    Lastly, a mention for the Portuguese playmaker.
    Sure, Man United have problems to solve right now but Fernandes is on the brink of some substantial returns.
    No midfielder has created more big chances and only five players in his position have registered more tackles.
    The Red Devils have lost four games already this season but, in fairness, those defeats have come against relatively strong opposition: Tottenham, Arsenal, Brighton and Bayern Munich.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    With all due respect, their Gameweek 6 opponents, Burnley and Crystal Palace, aren’t on the same level.
    Plus, Erik ten Hag’s side have got their hardest European fixture (Bayern away) out of the way now.

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    I spent summer in IT recruitment then played against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and got TWO stars’ shirts

    CHELSEA’S big-hearted stars gave Wimbledon rookie Ryan McLean a night to remember despite knocking his team out of the EFL Cup last week.The Dons’ winger was presented with the matchday shirt of Raheem Sterling even though the four-times Premier League champion was not playing.
    Ryan McLean, left, came on against Chelsea in Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup defeatCredit: Rex
    And at the final whistle, McLean, 23, swapped tops with £115m British record-signing Moises Caicedo.
    Shocked McLean, who was working in IT recruitment just two months ago, said: “What was most surprising was that Moises asked for mine too.”
    Sterling learned of McLean’s wish after the former non-League part-timer spoke exclusively to SunSport.
    The ex-Man City wideman was not even in the stadium but made sure the extraordinary gift got delivered.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    McLean said: “I got to Stamford Bridge, walked into our dressing room and our kit man suddenly handed me Raheem’s top. He said ‘how did you pull that off?!
    “I was blown away because he wasn’t even in the squad.”
    McLean only played the last minute as a sub for the League Two minnows in the narrow 2-1 defeat against the mega bucks Premier League side.
    He said: “At the end I shook hands with Moises and asked for his shirt.
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    “He said ‘sure, but down the tunnel’. What a show of respect for him to ask for mine too. A lot of the lads form both teams were doing it.
    “I am going to frame them both. I also have my shirt from my debut. It’s going to be quite a collection.”
    Wimbledon sit fifth in League Two after two wins and four draws from their opening six games. More

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    Man Utd ‘on verge of Sergio Reguilon loan transfer after Chelsea Carabao Cup clash torpedoed Cucurella deal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly on the verge of signing Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham.That’s after Chelsea seemingly torpedoed Marc Cucurella’s loan transfer by playing him in yesterday’s Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon.
    Man United are on the verge of signing Sergio Reguilon on loan from SpursCredit: Alamy
    Chelsea’s decision to play Marc Cucurella in the Carabao Cup looks to have torpedoed his exitCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils are in search of a new left-back before the transfer window closes on Friday.
    Cucurella had been touted as a potential target but United now have doubts after he played for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
    According to The Athletic, Erik ten Hag is considering a loan deal for Reguilon instead.
    And a deal appears to be close, with United on the verge of landing him from Spurs until next summer.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    The report adds that Cucurella will remain an option until the very end but that a move for the Spaniard is now more complicated.
    United are making their decision based on both football and financial factors this week.
    Cucurella is cup-tied from the Carabao Cup after starting Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Wimbledon on Wednesday.
    Ten Hag’s side are set to enter the competition in the third round at the end of September and have been drawn at home to Crystal Palace.
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    As for Reguilon, he is yet to play for Spurs this season after returning from a loan spell with Atletico Madrid.
    United are keen to bring in a left-back before Friday’s 11pm deadline due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
    Their absences have left Alvaro Fernandez as the only recognised left-back available to Ten Hag.
    The 20-year-old has yet to make his senior United debut after spending last season on loan at Preston. More

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    Carabao Cup fans spot HUGE blunder during the third round draw and Newcastle fans will be most upset

    THE EFL admitted a blunder in the Carabao Cup draw left Newcastle facing Manchester City.The 27 teams who progressed to the third round on Tuesday night were given numbers in alphabetical order.
    Newcastle United should have been ball number 19 with Norwich City ball number 20Credit: twitter @nufc_hq
    The draw took place on Sky SportsCredit: Rex
    Yet SunSport understands a “human error” saw Norwich given number 19 ahead of Newcastle in 20th for Wednesday night’s draw, meaning the Magpies host Treble-winners City while the Championship Canaries travel to Fulham.
    The EFL says there is no requirement for numbers to be allocated in alphabetical order, insisting the draw is valid.
    A spokesperson said: “The numbers for the Round Three draw of the Carabao Cup were allocated and communicated in advance of the draw taking place on Wednesday evening and were drawn in-line with the usual strict protocols and conditions. 
    “The League accepts that the list published was not in alphabetical order, however, under Cup rules, the draw does not require for numbers to be allocated on that basis.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “The EFL views the draw as completely valid with no impact to competition integrity.”
    The sides that went through on Wednesday were not listed in alphabetical order, hence why Chelsea were number 28.
    The EFL’s statement comes after Newcastle fans on social media spotted the blunder.
    A Newcastle fan account tweeted: “If Newcastle were given their correct number in the draw (19) we would have drawn Fulham away.
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    “As you can see, draw numbers are done in alphabetically, with the only mistake being Norwich and Newcastle in the wrong order.
    “Hmm @CarabaoCup.”
    Another added: “I don’t really mind playing City, but that is weird.”
    A third said: “We should appeal the draw and let them do it again for all.”
    But some fans were more stoic about the whole thing with one saying: “To be the best you have to beat the best.”
    Newcastle enjoyed an excellent Carabao Cup campaign last season as they reached the final on the way to finishing fourth in the league.
    To go one better this season they will have to get through a tough test against Manchester City at home.
    The ties for the third round will be played on the week commencing September 25. More

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    Carabao Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd all land tricky fixtures

    NEWCASTLE have been drawn against Treble holders Manchester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup.The stunning tie was made after tonight’s second round clashes, with last season’s beaten finalists tasked with getting the better of four-time winner Pep Guardiola.
    Darren Moore and Izzy Christiansen drew the balls live on Sky Sports
    Elsewhere, current holders Manchester United face Crystal Palace as Erik ten Hag looks for back-to-back wins in the competition.
    Arsenal will travel to London rivals Brentford, with goalkeeper David Raya potentially taking on his old side.
    And Chelsea face off against Brighton following their £115million raid for Moises Caicedo, having beaten Wimbledon 2-1 in the second round thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s first goal for the club.
    Everton landed a trip to Aston Villa after scraping past League Two Doncaster 2-1 away last night, coming back with two late second half goals from £25m new boy Beto and Arnaut Danjuma.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Lincoln City have a glamour tie against Europe Conference League champions West Ham after a shock penalty shoot-out win against Sheffield United.
    And Salford City have been rewarded for knocking out Leeds with a game against Prem new boys Burnley, who beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 away.
    Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore and England icon Izzy Christiansen were tasked with drawing the numbers from the pot live on Sky Sports.
    The ties will be played on the week commencing September 25.
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    The draw in full
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    The third-round draw took place after a number of Premier League teams had endured tough nights against lower league opposition.
    The Blades were the biggest casualty last night after drawing 0-0 at home with League One Lincoln before crashing out on penalties.
    On Tuesday, Spurs went out to Fulham after a shootout despite impressing in the Premier League under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
    But Chelsea managed to survive a scare to make it through to the third stage.
    World Cup winner Fernandez had to come off the bench to score in the 2-1 win after League Two Wimbledon had taken the lead in the first half. More

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    Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Man Utd host Palace, Arsenal play Brentford and Man City face Newcastle in epic third round

    FOOTBALL fans are desperate to see who their team will get in the Carabao Cup third round – and the draw has been REVEALED.Holders Manchester United will host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, while Arsenal travel across London to take on Brentford.
    But the tie of the round is Manchester City’s epic encounter against Newcastle.

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from the Carabao Cup third-round draw…
    The Carabao Cup draw in full
    Here’s a reminder of last night’s draw in full…

    Ipswich vs Wolves
    Exeter v Luton
    Aston Villa vs Everton
    Man Utd vs Crystal Palace
    Port Vale vs Sutton

    Bradford vs Middlesbrough
    Bournemouth vs Stoke
    Lincoln vs West Ham
    Brentford vs Arsenal
    Chelsea vs Brighton

    Salford City vs Burnley
    Fulham vs Norwich
    Blackburn vs Cardiff
    Liverpool vs Leicester
    Newcastle vs Man City
    Mansfield vs Peterborough

    Fans claim draw is ‘fixed’
    Some furious fans are convinced that the Carabao Cup draw was ‘fixed’, with one Chelsea supporter tweeting: “Nah our cup draws are fixed I’m sure.
    “Will we ever see a decent away game in the cup!”
    While another added: “This not supposed to be this draw is fixed they want the big teams to be knocked out.”
    The Carabao Cup draw in full

    Ipswich vs Wolves
    Exeter v Luton
    Aston Villa vs Everton
    Man Utd vs Crystal Palace
    Port Vale vs Sutton

    Bradford vs Middlesbrough
    Bournemouth vs Stoke
    Lincoln vs West Ham
    Brentford vs Arsenal
    Chelsea vs Brighton

    Salford City vs Burnley
    Fulham vs Norwich
    Blackburn vs Cardiff
    Liverpool vs Leicester
    Newcastle vs Man City
    Mansfield vs Peterborough

    Ones to watch
    The draw has produced some very exciting fixtures…
    Arsenal will travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.
    Chelsea will host Brighton.
    Liverpool face former Premier League side Leicester.
    And last season’s runners up Newcastle take on Man City at St. James’ Park.
    Credit: Getty
    Last picks

    Salford City vs Burnley
    Fulham vs Norwich
    Blackburn vs Cardiff
    Liverpool vs Leicester
    Newcastle vs Man City
    Mansfield vs Peterborough

    Next picks

    Bradford vs Middlesbrough
    Bournemouth vs Stoke
    Lincoln vs West Ham
    Brentford vs Arsenal
    Chelsea vs Brighton

    First five picks

    Ipswich vs Wolves
    Exeter v Luton
    Aston Villa vs Everton
    Man Utd vs Crystal Palace
    Port Vale vs Sutton

    Here we go!
    The draw is about to get underway!
    Credit: PA
    What are the ball numbers?

    17  Mansfield Town        
    18 Middlesbrough        
    19  Norwich City        
    20 Newcastle United        
    21  Peterborough United        
    22  Port Vale        
    23 Salford City        
    24 Stoke City        
    25 Sutton United        
    26 West Ham United            
    27 Wolverhampton Wanderers
    28 Chelsea
    29 Everton
    30 Blackburn Rovers
    31 Burnley
    32 Lincoln City

    What are the ball numbers?

    1    AFC Bournemouth        
    2   Arsenal            
    3   Aston Villa            
    4   Bradford City        
    5   Brentford        
    6   Brighton and Hove Albion        
    7   Cardiff City        
    8   Crystal Palace        
    9   Exeter City        
    10  Fulham        
    11   Ipswich Town        
    12   Leicester City        
    13   Liverpool        
    14   Luton Town        
    15   Manchester City        
    16   Manchester United 

    Full Time – Doncaster 1-2 Everton
    Everton come from behind to seal their spot in the third round.
    Credit: Getty
    Full Time – Sheffield United 0-0 Lincoln (2-3 on Pens)
    Sheffield United bow out of the competition on penalties to League One outfit Lincoln.
    Credit: Getty
    Full Time – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Burnley
    Burnley see off their Premier League rivals with a narrow win.
    Credit: Reuters
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    The Blues come from behind to book their spot in the third round thanks to a second-half goal from Enzo Fernandez.

    Credit: Reuters
    Full Time – Harrogate Town 0-8 Blackburn Rovers
    Blackburn soar through to the next round with the biggest away win in their history!
    Credit: Getty
    When will the draw take place?
    A reminder that the draw is set to take place tonight at 10:15pm.
    Sky Sports viewers will be able to watch it live after Everton’s clash with Doncaster but it will also be streamed free on YouTube.
    Sky Sports’ Emma Saunders will host the draw alongside former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore and recently retired England international, Izzy Christiansen.
    Chelsea take the lead!
    Chelsea look to be heading into the hat thanks to an Enzo Fernandez goal to put them 2-1 up against Wimbledon.
    They’ve found the breakthrough in the 71st minute after falling behind in the first half.
    Chelsea entered the second round this year after finishing 11th in last season’s Premier League and thereby failing to qualify for Europe.
    But it looks as though they will be joining the rest of the Premier League big boys in the next round.
    Credit: Reuters
    Who has won the most Carabao Cups?
    Liverpool are the current record holders for most Carabao Cup wins with nine titles to their name.
    Their 2022 cup victory saw them pull clear of Manchester City who have eight titles.
    That tally has been greatly helped by the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
    City have won five trophies in the last eight years of the competition.
    Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea all sit joint third with five titles each.
    Credit: Getty
    And part two
    Here’s part two of the ball numbers for tonight’s draw:
    17    Mansfield Town        18    Middlesbrough        19    Norwich City        20    Newcastle United        21    Peterborough United        22    Port Vale        23    Salford City        24    Stoke City        25    Sutton United        26    West Ham United            27    Wolverhampton Wanderers28    Chelsea    or     AFC Wimbledon29    Doncaster Rovers    or    Everton30    Harrogate Town    or    Blackburn Rovers31    Nottingham Forest    or    Burnley32    Sheffield United    or    Lincoln City
    What are the ball numbers for tonight’s draw?
    The ball numbers for the draw are decided alphabetically so there’s no particular rhyme or reason to them.
    Here’s the first part of the 32 teams in the third round draw:
    1    AFC Bournemouth        2    Arsenal            3    Aston Villa            4    Bradford City        5    Brentford        6    Brighton and Hove Albion        7    Cardiff City        8    Crystal Palace        9    Exeter City        10    Fulham        11    Ipswich Town        12    Leicester City        13    Liverpool        14    Luton Town        15    Manchester City        16    Manchester United 
    Credit: Rex
    How much do you get for winning the Carabao Cup?
    The pride of winning the Carabao cup trophy is obviously what’s most important for clubs in this season’s competition.
    But how much do you actually get for winning the pot?
    Well, each club receives 45 per cent of the proceeds from all matches.
    But only semi-finalists onwards receive prize money.

    Semi-finalists – £25,000
    Runner-up – £50,000
    Winner – £100,000

    Credit: Getty
    CHELSEA EQUALISE
    Chelsea have draw level with League Two Wimbledon after being awarded a penalty.
    Noni Madueke has been brilliant for them tonight and won the pen after a driving run.
    He stepped up and converted to draw the Blues level in the tie.
    They’ll likely go in level at the break as they look to overturn the early deficit.
    Credit: Getty
    Will we see Chelsea in the draw?
    Chelsea might not be a name in the hat after all.
    They’re currently 1-0 down at home to League Two side AFC Wimbledon after keeper Robert Sanchez gave away a penalty.
    Chelsea have fielded a rotated side with Mauricio Pochettino saying he wanted to give a chance to some academy products.
    Will it blow up in their faces? They still have the second half to turn things around.
    Credit: AP
    What time is the draw tonight?
    Tonight’s draw will take place at around 10:15pm – live on Sky Sports.
    The draw will follow on from Everton’s trip to Doncaster which is the live game on TV tonight.
    Sky Sports will also be streaming the draw live and for free on YouTube.
    Sky Sports’ Emma Saunders will host the draw alongside former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore and recently retired England international, Izzy Christiansen.
    Second rounders
    Tottenham and Chelsea entered the competition at the second round this year with both sides not qualifying for Europe last season.
    Chelsea fans will find out if they will be in the draw tonight after their clash with League Two side AFC Wimbledon.
    Tottenham, meanwhile, are already out of the competition after losing to Fulham on penalties last night.
    The EFL Cup was a decent chance for Spurs to break their 15 year trophy drought – their last cup victory came in 2008 in the then Carling Cup final against Chelsea.
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    Is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon on TV? Live stream and team news ahead of huge Carabao Cup clash at Stamford Bridge

    CHELSEA host League Two side AFC Wimbledon in a huge Carabao Cup second-round tie at Stamford Bridge.The Blues will host their London rivals for the first time ever on Wednesday night.
    Nicolas Jackson was got his first Chelsea goal on Friday night against LutonCredit: GETTY
    Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his side can go far in this year’s competition as the Argentine eyes silverware in his first year in the Chelsea hot seat.
    Last season, the Blues were knocked out by Manchester City in the third round after a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad.
    AFC Wimbledon overcame last year’s Championship play-off finalists Coventry City to earn themselves a trip to Stamford Bridge.
    When is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon?

    Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon will take place on Wednesday, August 30.
    Kick off will be at 7:45pm BST.
    Stamford Bridge will play host.

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    Is Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon on TV?
    Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK.
    Sky Sports have picked Doncaster Rovers vs Everton to be broadcasted and no other UK broadcaster has the TV rights to the League Cup.
    Highlights from all the Carabao Cup second-round ties will be shown at 12:15am (Thursday morning) on ITV4.
    To keep up to date with all the action from Stamford Bridge, you can follow SunSport’s live blog.
    Most read in Football
    When is the Carabao Cup third round draw?

    The Carabao Cup third round will take place on Wednesday, August 30th.
    The draw is expected to get underway at 10:15pm BST, following the conclusion of the second-round tie between Doncaster Rovers and Everton.
    The Carabao Cup third round draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.

    Odds
    Match result

    Chelsea – 1/9
    Draw – 8/1
    AFC Wimbledon – 22/1

    To qualify

    Chelsea – 1/16
    AFC Wimbledon – 7/1

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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    Carabao Cup 3rd round draw simulated as Arsenal get horror tie and holders Man Utd will test Gary Neville’s loyalty

    ARSENAL face a nightmare clash away at Liverpool in SunSport’s simulated Carabao Cup draw.Mikel Arteta’s side would face a tough test if they had to travel to Anfield, with both teams making a strong start in the Premier League.
    Arsenal and Liverpool met in the Carabao Cup semi-final in 2022Credit: Alamy
    Holders Manchester United were drawn away to Salford in our simulationCredit: Getty
    Gary Neville would face a dilemma if his Salford team were drawn to UnitedCredit: PA
    Arsenal have only beat The Reds once in the last seven meetings between the two sides – a 3-2 home win at The Emirates last season.
    And they haven’t won away to the Reds since September 2012.
    Meanwhile, Manchester United have been drawn against lower-league opposition in our simulation – Salford.
    The Red Devils’ trip to the Peninsula Stadium would be a dream outcome for United legend and Salford co-owner Gary Neville.
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    The Sky Sports pundit celebrated during commentary as Salford beat Leeds in the previous round, and he spoke about his ambition to play United after the win.
    But he refused to reveal which team he would cheer on if the two clubs met in the next round.
    Elsewhere in our draw Chelsea have also been given a favourable tie away at Mansfield.
    The Blues have to overcome AFC Wimbledon to reach the third round but if they did they would be amongst the favourites to reach the latter stages of the competition.
    Most read in FootballSimulated Carabao Cup draw

    Liverpool vs Arsenal
    Nottingham Forest/Burnley vs Bournemouth
    Middlesbrough vs Fulham
    Exeter vs Brighton
    Ipswich vs Cardiff
    Sutton vs Harrogate/Blackburn
    West Ham vs Port Vale
    Salford vs Manchester United
    Luton vs Norwich
    Sheffield United/Lincoln vs Manchester City
    Aston Villa vs Wolves
    Bradford vs Brentford
    Peterborough vs Leicester
    Mansfield vs Chelsea/AFC Wimbledon
    Stoke vs Doncaster/Everton
    Crystal Palace vs Newcastle

    The draw also includes multiple all Premier League clashes including Nottingham Forest or Burnley vs Bournemouth.
    Manchester City were drawn against Sheffield United or Lincoln while Crystal Palace were pitted against Newcastle following their dramatic comeback victory over Plymouth on Tuesday.
    The actual Carabao Cup third-round draw takes place this evening following the conclusion of Doncaster vs Everton.
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