Spurs face old rivals Arsenal

Tottenham have been drawn against bitter rivals Arsenal in a potentially explosive League Cup third round tie.

Harry Redknapp’s team will host their north London enemies in a clash which gives Spurs defender William Gallas an early chance to play against his former club just weeks after his move to White Hart Lane.

The tie is also an opportunity for Spurs to underline their emergence as serious challengers to Arsenal’s long-held supremacy in north London.

It is the third time in five years that these feuding neighbours have met in the League Cup, with Tottenham winning the semi-final in 2008 after Arsenal had triumphed at the same stage a year earlier.

Elsewhere in yesterday’s draw, holders Manchester United, who beat Aston Villa in the final in February, travel to Glanford Park to face Championship side Scunthorpe.

Northampton, the only League Two side surviving in the competition, were handed a dream trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

Villa host Blackburn, while Newcastle take on Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City head to West Brom, while Stoke meet Fulham and Sunderland will have home advantage against West Ham.

THE DRAW

Brentford vs Everton; Portsmouth vs Leicester; Stoke vs Fulham; Chelsea vs Newcastle; Aston Villa vs Blackburn; Tottenham vs Arsenal; Millwall vs Ipswich; Wolves vs Notts County; Burnley vs Bolton; Birmingham vs MK Dons; Liverpool vs Northampton; Scunthorpe vs Manchester United; West Brom vs Manchester City; Sunderland vs West Ham; Peterborough vs Swansea; Wigan vs Preston.

Ties to be played week commencing September 20.