Newcastle United have been drawn to face League Two side Tranmere Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The game is due to be played during the week beginning August 22nd, in between Premier League meetings with Man City (21st August) and Wolves (28th August).
It would’ve been nice to have a home draw, but Tranmere have endured a tough start to the new season, sitting second bottom of the fourth tier after losing their opening two games of the new campaign.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United exited at the first hurdle this time last year, as Burnley won 4-3 on penalties after the two sides couldn’t be split over the 90 at St James’ Park.
With many believing that a top 10 finish and cup run are two of our key targets over the coming season, it would be great to see us keep the momentum going with good results in both competitions – and this favourable draw gives us a chance to do exactly that!
Second round ties will go straight to penalties once again this year if the scores are level after 90 minutes. Managers will also be allowed to name nine substitutes in the Carabao Cup, with five changes allowed.
After four exits at the second round stage over the past five seasons, let’s hope we can finally put a rare run together this time around.
Here’s the draw in full:
Northern Section
Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa
Derby County v West Bromwich Albion or Sheffield United
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Preston North End
Leeds United v Barnsley
Fleetwood Town v Everton
Sheffield Wednesday v Rochdale
Tranmere Rovers v Newcastle United
Rotherham United v Morecambe
Barrow v Lincoln City
Stockport County v Leicester City
Bradford City v Blackburn Rovers
Grimsby Town v Nottingham Forest
Shrewsbury Town v Burnley
Southern Section
Stevenage v Peterborough United
Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth
Newport County v Portsmouth
Oxford United v Crystal Palace
Watford v Milton Keynes Dons
Colchester United v Brentford
Wycombe Wanderers v Bristol City
Walsall v Charlton Athletic
Crawley Town v Fulham
Cambridge United v Southampton
Gillingham v Exeter City
Forest Green Rovers v Brighton & Hove Albion
