Overview
- The second‑round draw was held on Monday 10 August and was shown live during Sky Sports’ pre‑match build‑up to Plymouth vs Exeter.
- Eleven Premier League clubs not in European competition entered at this stage, joining 35 first‑round winners to make a 46‑team, north/south split.
- Standout fixtures include Chelsea v Luton Town, Tottenham v Charlton Athletic, Newcastle v West Brom and Nottingham Forest v Leeds United.
- All second‑round matches are due to be played in the week commencing 24 August with kick‑off times to be set by broadcasters and the EFL, creating potential fixture and policing clashes for clubs and local authorities.
- Reported competition details include published ball numbers for each region and a procedural note that ties finishing level after 90 minutes will go straight to penalties, with clubs in European competition joining in round three.