Why are clubs starting their Carabao Cup campaigns on a weekend?

CLUB football is finally back! The Carabao Cup first round begins today with fixtures scheduled across the next four days. Manchester City are the Carabao Cup holders Credit: Getty Some clubs begin their Carabao Cup campaigns on a weekend this season Credit: Getty Clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two get their campaigns underway as managers get one final look at their sides before league action starts next week. Fans might be surprised to see Carabao Cup fixtures scheduled over the weekend instead of midweek. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! SunSport brings you the reason behind the early start to the competition. Why is Carabao Cup starting on a weekend? The Carabao Cup gets underway on Thursday, August 6, with first round ties running until Monday, August 10. The competition usually begins on a midweek date following the opening round of EFL fixtures. League One and Two teams were unhappy their seasons kicked off on the first weekend of August last year because it did not allow them enough time to get transfer business done before the campaign began. With the season starting later than normal because of the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, the EFL were keen to take away some strain from fixture congestion to make up for the later start. The Carabao Cup starting a week before the league season allows players more rest than in other seasons. Most read in Football Teams can end up playing three times in quick succession as the first round is traditionally in the middle of two league fixtures. Comment now