Robertson set for emotional Anfield return as Spurs draw Liverpool in Carabao Cup third round

Andy Robertson will return to Anfield for the first time since leaving Liverpool, after the Carabao Cup third-round draw paired Tottenham with their opponents’ former captain. The Scotland international joined Spurs on a free transfer this summer following nine years on Merseyside, and will now face the club where he established himself as one of the world’s best left backs.

The tie, scheduled across the weeks commencing 7 and 14 September, is the standout fixture of a third-round draw that also features four other all-Premier League matchups. Coventry host Aston Villa in a Midlands derby, Arsenal travel to Ipswich, Manchester United face Brighton — who knocked them out of last season’s FA Cup at Old Trafford — and Everton host Wolves, who eliminated the Toffees at the same stage a year ago.

Chelsea could host Leeds United if they overcome Luton in a second-round tie still to be played, while Sunderland host Hull in another cross-division clash. Holders Manchester City are at home to Norwich, and Bournemouth and Crystal Palace also welcome Championship opposition in ties against Lincoln and Middlesbrough respectively.

Elsewhere in the draw, West Ham will face the winners of Fulham or AFC Wimbledon, Brentford travel to Reading, and the remaining fixtures include Sheffield United at Fleetwood, Leyton Orient against Bradford, and Peterborough versus Barnsley. The five Premier League clubs competing in the Champions League will play their third-round ties in the second week to accommodate European commitments.

The draw came after a busy night of second-round action. Thierno Barry scored a hat-trick as Everton thrashed Preston 4-0, with new signing Brennan Johnson — ending a 35-game goal drought — adding a fourth. Tottenham themselves eased into the third round with a 5-1 win over Charlton, new arrival Savio scoring on his debut as a 71st-minute substitute. Mikey Moore, Dominic Solanke and Kevin Danso were also on target for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who bounced back after a 3-0 opening-day defeat at Brentford.

Newcastle edged past West Brom 3-2, with Harvey Barnes netting twice in the second half to overturn a deficit after Isaac Price had given the Baggies the lead with a free-kick.