Tough draw for League Cup holders Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur, the League Cup holders, will be playing away to Newcastle United in the third round of the competition after the draw was made yesterday.

Tottenham face a difficult task if they are to repeat their triumph in the competition, with their tie being one of four all-Premier League affairs. Last season's runners-up Chelsea will travel to Portsmouth, while Manchester United face Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

Blackburn against last season's semi-finalists Everton is the other tie involving two top-flight sides.

Liverpool meet Crewe and Arsenal play Sheffield United.

Tottenham, who beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final at Wembley, have lost their last five games against Newcastle.

Hartlepool will face League One rivals Leeds after knocking out Premier League side West Brom. Northampton, who beat Bolton at the Reebok in the second round this week, face a trip to play Roy Keane's Sunderland.

Brighton and Manchester City are yet to play their second round tie, with the winners drawn to face Derby.

Third round

Arsenal vs Sheffield United; Brighton/Manchester City vs Derby County; Burnley vs Fulham; Portsmouth vs Chelsea; Blackburn vs Everton; Rotherham vs Southampton; Swansea vs Cardiff; Ipswich vs Wigan;

Stoke vs Reading; Leeds vs Hartlepool; Watford vs West Ham; Manchester United vs Middlesbrough; Liverpool vs Crewe; Aston Villa vs QPR; Sunderland vs Northampton; Newcastle vs Tottenham.

Ties will be played in the week commencing Sept. 22.