Chelsea face Luton as Carabao Cup tie creates fixture clash

Chelsea have been drawn at home against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round, with the tie due to take place during the week commencing August 24.

Monday’s draw paired the Blues with the League One side at Stamford Bridge as Xabi Alonso prepares to begin Chelsea’s domestic cup campaign. Luton, managed by Jack Wilshere, reached the second round with a 3-0 win over Gillingham.

Chelsea enter the competition in round two rather than round three after finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European football for 2026-27. The opening rounds of the competition are regionalised, with Chelsea drawn against a southern-based opponent.

Chelsea to host Luton Town

Chelsea’s most recent victory over Luton came in December 2023, when the Blues won 3-2 at Kenilworth Road. Cole Palmer scored twice in that match, and Chelsea have won each of their last five meetings with the Hatters in all competitions.

The winner at Stamford Bridge will progress to the third round. Chelsea have won the League Cup five times.

Scheduling remains to be confirmed

Second-round ties are scheduled for the week commencing August 24, but exact dates and kick-off times have not yet been confirmed. Chelsea are due to face Fulham in the Premier League on Monday, August 24, while Carabao Cup matches are usually played on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

The overlap creates a scheduling issue for the EFL, which must decide when to schedule Chelsea’s tie with Luton.

Other second-round ties

Elsewhere in the southern section, Tottenham Hotspur will host Charlton Athletic and Fulham will host AFC Wimbledon. Nottingham Forest versus Leeds United is among the all-Premier League ties in the northern section.

Other confirmed fixtures include Newcastle United against West Bromwich Albion, Southampton against West Ham United, Ipswich Town against Leicester City and Preston North End against Everton.