Carabao Cup Draw - Sunderland to face former hero in third round of the League Cup

After securing their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win against Carlisle United on Tuesday evening, Sunderland will now face Everton at Goodison Park as they attempt to push on into the fourth round and beyond.

The draw itself was a rather pitiful affair once more as the EFL attempted to woo the mystical Far East with its plethora of exotically named English sides with their funny little badges. It was rather odd that the draw itself wasn’t shown live, and sent many a cynic into a conspiracy-fueled rant about potential match-ups that might appeal to an Asian market being actively seduced by the EFL - especially after a lengthy delay due to Mr. Su Dong’s ‘brief’ presentation.

Anyhow, the first sides to be drawn were West Brom and Manchester City which wasn’t quite the blockbuster draw many tinfoil hat-toting Tweeters were hoping for. Then came Sunderland’s opposition in rather swift fashion as the second draw of the evening saw us pitted against Premier League big spenders, and all round nice club, Everton.

Immediately thoughts turned to Jordan Pickford who could potentially face up against his boyhood club for the first time if selected. And what a wonderful battle that will be if the North East’s number one raver is given the opportunity to square off against the side that showcased his talents to the world. Then there’s Browning, Galloway, McGeady and Vaughan to consider - all former Blues players themselves with the exception of the two loanees as well as Oviedo, Rodwell, and Gibson.

In other news the Premier League’s big boys were given an eclectic mix of opposition as Liverpool were drawn away to Leicester while Man United were given the daunting task of welcoming Burton Albion to Old Trafford. Arsenal were given home advantage over Doncaster while Chelsea will play host to Mag slayers Nottingham Forest. Tottenham will face either Barnsley/Derby at Wembley - which could be the closest either of those sides will get to Wembley.

The draw in general was a turgid, unimaginative affair as Twitter updated every few minutes to little fanfare. Though I’m certain thousands will have lined the streets in Beijing eager to hear news of their much beloved Bristol City and their home tie against the mighty Mark Hughes’ irresistible Stoke. Wowee!

What’s wrong with a live feed from a studio as some obscure celebrity awkwardly fondles ceramic balls in a little glass bowl? What is the world coming to? Do they even Carabaout us fans? (I’ll see myself out).

The 16 ties will all be played in the week commencing September 18, 2017 - keep an eye out for further updates.

Carabao Cup third round draw:

West Brom v Manchester City

Everton v Sunderland

Leicester v Liverpool

Manchester United v Burton

Brentford v Norwich

Wolves v Bristol Rovers

Burnley v Leeds

Arsenal v Doncaster

Bristol City v Stoke

Reading v Swansea

Aston Villa v Middlesbrough

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest

West Ham v Bolton

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield

Tottenham v Barnsley or Derby

Bournemouth v Brighton