Carabao Cup first round draw live as City and Rovers both in the hat

Both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers have learned their opponents for the first round of this season's Carabao Cup following Thursday afternoon's draw.

Gerhard Struber's Robins will welcome League Two's MK Dons to Ashton Gate in what will be the two team's first competitive meeting since 2016 when a Jonathan Kodjia brace secured all three points.

Darrell Clarke's side will also face League Two opposition as they welcome Cambridge United to the Mem in the first round. United were relegated from League One alongside the Gas last term but it was Rovers who secured all three points when they last met in January.

This season's ties will be played over the course of the week commencing August 11. City's game will be played between their first and second game of the Championship season while Rovers' meeting with Cambridge will occur between their second and third League Two outing.

You can recap all the action as it happened in this afternoon's draw here...

17:06 - That's all from us

By Daniel Carter

I'll be honest, I'm not sure either set of fans will exactly be thrilled with that draw but both clubs should have a real chance of booking their place in the second round. That's where some Premier League clubs begin to enter the competition.

For now though, focus returns to the transfer window and the potential ins and outs at each club. As always, we'll keep you up to date with everything that happens at both clubs.

16:55 - The northern section in full

By Daniel Carter

The Northern section of the Carabao Cup Round One draw is locked in!

Which tie are you calling the standout clash? pic.twitter.com/uoNP1zSWqZ

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 26, 2025

16:54 - The southern section in full

By Daniel Carter

The Round 1 draw for the Southern section of the Carabao Cup is in!

Any eye-catching fixtures on your radar? pic.twitter.com/bSbfYkvyL3

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 26, 2025

16:51 - Bristol Rovers' last time out against Cambridge

By Daniel Carter

On the other hand, Cambridge and Bristol Rovers have met more often in recent years with both clubs relegated from League One last term.

It was the Gas who secured the bragging rights with a 1-0 win last time out thanks to a goal from Luke Thomas.

16:49 - Bristol City's last time out against MK Dons

By Daniel Carter

Bristol City haven't faced MK Dons in a competitve fixture since 2016. The last time the two sides met, it was in the Championship and a brace from Jonathan Kodjia handed the Robins a 2-0 win.

16:47 - When will the matches be played?

All round one ties are due to be played the week commencing August 11. For Bristol City, that is between their first and second league game of the campaign while for the Gas, it is between their second and third.

16:45 - So who has who?

By Daniel Carter

So Gerhard Struber and Bristol City will welcome MK Dons (who they are already due to face in pre-season) to Ashton Gate in the first round while Darrell Clarke and Bristol Rovers will face Cambridge United at the Mem.

16:45 - Wigan Athletic vs Notts County

By Daniel Carter

And that is that.

16:44 - Barnsley vs Fleetwood

By Daniel Carter

There's just one more to go.

16:44 - Chesterfield vs Mansfield Town

By Daniel Carter

I'm not sure how interested you guys will be in this to be honest.

16:44 - Bolton vs Sheffield Wednesday

By Daniel Carter

A proper EFL clash that.

16:43 - West Brom vs Derby

By Daniel Carter

All Championship draw.

16:43 - Middlesbrough vs Doncaster Rovers

By Daniel Carter

Tommy Conway and Bristol City linked Rob Edwards in action.

16:43 - Blackburn Rovers vs Bradford

By Daniel Carter

There's a few more teams in the northern section.

16:42 - Accrington or Oldham vs Peterborough

By Daniel Carter

Another interesting tie.

16:42 - Stoke City vs Walsall

By Daniel Carter

The Potters face Albert Adomah and company.

16:41 - Birmingham City vs Sheffield United

By Daniel Carter

That is a big tie considering the expectations of both sides.

16:41 - Wrexham vs Hull City

By Daniel Carter

An all Championship affair.

16:41 - Huddersfield Town vs Leicester City

By Daniel Carter

The former Premier League champions will face the Terriers.

16:40 - Stockport County vs Crewe

By Daniel Carter

Dave Challinor's men will be at home in the first round.

16:40 - Tranmere Rovers vs Burton

By Daniel Carter

Burton were semi-finalists once.

16:40 - Harrogate Town vs Lincoln City

By Daniel Carter

The Imps dumped Bristol City out of the cup a few years back.

16:39 - Salford City vs Rotherham United

By Daniel Carter

Gary Neville and friends face League One opposition.

16:39 - Blackpool vs Port Vale

By Daniel Carter

Will this matter to either Bristol club? Only time will tell.

16:38 - Grimsby Town vs Shrewsbury Town

By Daniel Carter

Two towns face off.

16:38 - Barrow vs Preston North End

By Daniel Carter

The first tie is out of the northern section.

16:37 - Bromley vs Ipswich Town

By Daniel Carter

That was the first one we missed while sharing the Bristol City news.

16:37 - Portsmouth vs Reading

By Daniel Carter

And that's the end of the Southern section. We'll get the ones we missed out as well.

16:36 - Swansea City vs Crawley

By Daniel Carter

An anglo-welsh clash.

16:36 - Plymouth Argyle vs QPR

By Daniel Carter

I wouldn't have minded a trip to Home Park.