Forest to host Leeds in EFL Cup - second-round draw in full

What the report says

Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United in the standout tie of the EFL Cup second round, according to the BBC Sport Football draw published on 10 August 2026. It is the only all-Premier League match-up in this stage of the competition, adding extra attention to a round that otherwise largely pits top-flight clubs against lower-division opposition.

The BBC reported that several other Premier League sides also received home ties. Chelsea will play League One club Luton Town, Tottenham Hotspur will host Charlton Athletic from the Championship, and Newcastle United are set to meet West Bromwich Albion. Everton’s trip to Preston North End gives manager David Moyes a return to the club where he started his managerial career, while Fulham face AFC Wimbledon and Brentford travel to Birmingham City.

The draw was split between northern and southern sections, with fixtures spread across the week beginning 24 August. The nine English clubs involved in European competition will enter at the third-round stage, meaning the second round offers an early test for many of the other teams in the Football League structure. As a bit of context, the Carabao Cup is a knockout tournament open to clubs across the English league system, and the second-round draw often creates opportunities for lower-league sides to challenge higher-ranked opponents.