Newcastle United respond to EFL error impacting Manchester City, Norwich City and Fulham

Eddie Howe has responded to the EFL’s error which led to Newcastle United facing Manchester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Magpies host Pep Guardiola’s side on Wednesday, September 27 in front of the Sky Sports cameras (kick-off 8pm) after the draw was made on Wednesday evening.

Ball numbers are allocated in alphabetical order with the exception of ties that were yet to be concluded when the numbers were allocated. On that basis, United were incorrectly allocated ball number 20 instead of 19, which was allocated to Norwich City.

That would have seen Newcastle handed a more favourable tie on paper - a trip to fellow Premier League side Fulham, rather than face last season’s treble winners.

And if that wasn’t difficult enough, Howe’s side were drawn in the Champions League ‘group of death’ alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. Asked about the Carabao Cup draw, Howe said: “Not sure what to think really. I just laughed about it, there’s not a lot you can - you couldn’t make it up really, could we? It’s one of those weeks and one of those seasons.

“The start of the fixture list was very difficult in the Premier League and we’re being tested. We’re playing the top teams but I always think that makes you better anyway. Hopefully it’s a good thing for us.”

The EFL acknowledged the mistake but insisted the draw has zero impact on the competition’s integrity.

“The numbers for the Round Three draw of the Carabao Cup were allocated and communicated in advance of the draw taking place on Wednesday evening and were drawn in-line with the usual strict protocols and conditions, an EFL spokesperson said via Express Sport.

“The League accepts that the list published was not in alphabetical order, however, under Cup rules, the draw does not require for numbers to be allocated on that basis as is demonstrated by those teams who progressed on Wednesday night. As a result, the EFL views the draw as completely valid with no impact to competition integrity.”