Newcastle United have been drawn away to Millwall in the Carabao Cup third round. The draw, conducted on Tuesday 8 September, handed the Magpies a trip to The Den.
This fixture comes as Eddie Howe's side currently sit 6th in the Premier League with 4 points from their opening two games. Their recent form reads WD, having scored 4 goals and conceded 2. They are just 2 points behind leaders Manchester City.
The draw appears favourable for Newcastle United. They avoided all eight English clubs competing in this season's Champions League and Europa League. They also dodged fellow Premier League sides Chelsea, Fulham, Leeds United, and Everton. This sets up a potentially navigable path deeper into the competition.
Analysing recent seasons shows a shift in fortune. In the 2023/24 campaign, Newcastle had seven away draws and just one at home in domestic cups. The following 2024/25 season saw a reversal, with five home draws and three away. Last season, 2025/26, brought five home draws and one away. So far in 2026/27, they have one of each.
Recent history reveals a dramatic swing. At the start of the 2023/24 season, Newcastle were drawn at home to Manchester City in the League Cup. After that, they were drawn away in each of their next seven domestic cup draws. This streak was followed by an even more pronounced run of 11 home matches from the next 13 cup draws.
One notable instance saw AFC Wimbledon move a home tie to St James' Park. This pattern of home draws became a talking point among supporters, a topic often covered on the fan podcast 'The Mag Podcast'. The current draw breaks any immediate pattern, sending the team on the road again.
Newcastle will approach the cup match while managing a Premier League schedule. The team's current league position and goal difference of +2 provide a solid platform. However, the squad is dealing with several absences. Key players Dan Burn, Joelinton, and William Osula are currently sidelined.
This will test the depth of the squad as they compete on multiple fronts. The draw offers a chance for rotation and for fringe players to stake a claim. The match against Millwall is scheduled for Tuesday 8 September, providing a midweek test.
The Carabao Cup third round arrives early in the season. Newcastle's immediate priority is their next Premier League fixture at home to Bournemouth. Following that, the cup trip to Millwall represents a different challenge against Championship opposition.
Success in this competition could provide a tangible target for silverware this season. The draw has been kind in avoiding the heavyweight European sides at this stage. How Eddie Howe balances his resources will be key, especially with the absentees.
The author of the original report posed the question, "Luck of the draw for Newcastle United?" Based on the teams avoided, many fans will answer yes. Newcastle United's next match is at home to Bournemouth on 5 September 2026.
