West Ham United's Carabao Cup campaign begins at the third round stage in late September, but we will discover who our opponents will be in Wednesday's draw. Here's everything you need to know...
How come we enter at the third round?
As one of England's representatives in European competition this season, we get a pass through to the third round. The 12 Premier League clubs not in Europe entered at the second round, joining the 36 EFL clubs who had progressed through the first round.
Tuesday's ties saw one top-flight side suffer an early exit, as Tottenham Hotspur lost on penalties in an all-Premier League clash at Fulham. Among the shocks were League Two outfit Salford City defeating Leeds United of the Championship, and fellow League Two side Mansfield Town dumping out second tier Sheffield Wednesday.
One more Premier League side is guaranteed to fall by the wayside in Wednesday evening's ties, with Nottingham Forest hosting Burnley.
When is the Carabao Cup third round draw?
The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup takes place on Wednesday 30 August, following the conclusion of the match between Doncaster Rovers and Everton, live on Sky Sports Football.
How can I follow the draw?
The draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, while we'll have news of the draw as soon as it happens right here on whufc.com and on our social channels. The third round is not regionalised nor seeded, so we could face any of the other 31 teams who reach the third round.
What ball number are we?
West Ham United are ball number 26 in Wednesday's draw.
Who could we face?
As mentioned, England's eight European representatives - Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and the Hammers - join at this stage.
As many as 18 Premier League sides could make it through, with only Tottenham Hotspur and one of Burnley and Nottingham Forest guaranteed to exit so far.
League Two clubs Bradford City, Mansfield Town and Sutton United are the lowest ranked sides already through, while they could be joined by fellow fourth tier teams Harrogate Town, Doncaster and AFC Wimbledon, who are all playing on Wednesday night.
When will the third round ties be played?
The games will be played in the week commencing Monday 25 September.
