Will anyone be up for Carabao Cup’s 4.15am draw?

THE third-round draw of the Carabao Cup will take place at 4.15am UK time in the latest shambolic chapter of the competition’s rebranding this season. Clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool enter the League Cup at this stage but fans wishing to follow developments live will have to set alarms for early on Thursday. Even then, supporters will be able to track developments only via the Carabao Cup Twitter feed as the draw, taking place in Beijing at 11.15am locally and including Champions League and Europa League teams, will not be on TV anywhere. It is the second time the process has been taken to the Far East after the first round was drawn in Thailand, home of energy drinks company Carabao. The EFL believe it will help promote their brand but the move was roundly ridiculed on social media yesterday, with previous mishaps also highlighted. In the first round audio problems were compounded when it appeared on screen that Charlton Athletic were part of two different fixtures, while last time saw John Salako name Brentford as having an away tie, despite the colour of the ball indicating a home game. ‘We understand that not everyone will agree on the timing of this week’s round three draw, but in staging it this way it will give the competition the maximum exposure in the UK, Chinese and South East Asian markets,’ said an EFL spokesman. ‘Once the logistics have been completed in Beijing, the UK will be waking up and the breakfast media will be able to report and get reaction on the 16 ties that will take place next month, which we feel is an interesting move away from the usual post-game evening draws. ‘Our decision to go to China is part of a strategic plan to grow the EFL internationally and a number of meetings are being held around the draw that we envisage will deliver a benefit to all 72 clubs of the EFL.’