The draw for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup has taken place and it has produced some intriguing match-ups.

Once again, Chelsea have been picked for the plum tie, as they remain at home to take on holders Nottingham Forest in a rematch of last seasons Charity Shield. In the other all Division 1 tie, high flying Watford will play Liverpool.

In an unusual draw, most of the Division 2 sides came out early, with Luton playing Manchester City and Division 1 Tottenham hosting Wimbledon.

The Division 3 sides were mostly in the hat until near the end, as newly promoted Wolves, who beat Newcastle get to play another Division 3 side in Leicester. Coventry City, who knocked out Southampton, were rewarded with a home tie against Manchester United.

The full draw is as follows:

1. Luton Town v Manchester City
2. Tottenham v Wimbledon
3. Everton v Oxford United
4. Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
5. Burnley v Sheffield Wednesday
6. Watford v Liverpool
7. Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City
8. Coventry City v Manchester United

The mammoth FA Cup second round is almost concluded and we have enjoyed some excellent matches.

There have been some shock results with several Division 1 sides being eliminated, including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Southampton.

Wolves produced the shock result of the round as they knocked out Newcastle after extra time. Watford gave us the score line of the second round games as they put 4 past league leaders Arsenal to book their place in the draw. Burnley are the only team from the conference to make it past the second round and therefore take their place in the record books as the first conference team to do so.

In other matches, Coventry City enjoyed an epic encounter coming from behind to knock out Charlton Athletic. Year 1 semi-finalists Oxford United stunned Division 3 leaders Crystal Palace with a 3-0 victory as they cruised into the 3rd Round,

There are seven teams from Division 1, four from Division 2, four from Division 3 and one from the Conference. From the three non-league teams that made it into the second round, none of them have progressed.

There are 16 teams remaining in the competition, with draw numbers allocated in the order of the second round matches.

The draw numbers in full are as follows:

1. Manchester United
2. Nottingham Forest
3. Burnley
4. Manchester City
5. Liverpool
6. Watford
7. Leicester City
8. Wolverhampton Wanderers
9. Everton
10. Wimbledon
11. Luton Town
12. Coventry City
13. Oxford United
14. Sheffield Wednesday
15. Tottenham Hotspur
16. Chelsea

The 2nd Round of the FA Cup has taken place. Here is a round up of the results, with match reports from all games as teams from Division 1 & 2 join the winners from the 1st Round.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United – Brighton were given another home tie as they took on Division 1 Manchester United. It was going to prove to be a tricky away day for the visitors as Brighton are looking a good side this year. Manchester got the first shots in but the Brighton keeper was equal to them. Brighton then had some good possession and could have snatched the match if it wasn’t for the Utd keeper parrying the ball away. it was still 0-0 in injury time as Brighton gave as good as they got, but once last move from Man Utd broke the home sides hearts as United scored with the last kick of the match.

Result: Brighton 0 v 1 Man Utd

Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest – Cup holders Notts Forest began their defence against non-league Sheffield United. It appeared it was going to be a very one-sided match as Forest took a grip of the game from the offset and soon were one-nil up. It did not take long before they scored a second and fans were wondering if a record score could be on the cards. A clumsy challenge early in the second half gave Sheffield a direct free kick and they made use of it to bring the goal difference back to one. This gave them a renewed fight in the game and it was Forest who were now holding on. Sheffield could not line up a good shot and time expired as the holders go through.

Result: Sheff Utd 1 v 2 Notts Forest

Birmingham City v Burnley – With two Conference teams facing off against each other, it guaranteed that one of these clubs would be the first from the Conference to make it into the 3rd Round, so there was everything to play for. Birmingham started off the brighter and hit the post in their efforts to score. But it was Burnley who got onto the scoresheet first, as Birmingham gifted them a goal after giving away a free kick. Birmingham fought back and the home fans were stunned when they hit the post for a second time. Burnley then found a way through to double their lead. Birmingham did not give up and slotted home into the corner of the goal to give themselves a chance. There were a few more chances for Birmingham but the Burnley keeper made some great saves to help his side make it into the 3rd Round.

Result: Birmingham City 1 v 2 Burnley

Manchester City v Q.P.R. – City were always going to be the favourites for this tie, but QPR were going to give it a good go to see if they could have a cup run this year. City got off to a good start and the home fans were delighted when they scored first. QPR fought back and despite hitting the post, they did get an equaliser to keep the match alive. But tiredness took hold and they gave away a silly free kick which resulted in a second City goal. They did not learn from their mistake and soon gave away another free kick, but this time it was saved. Despite a tense finish, City held on to go through.

Result: Man City 2 v 1 Q.P.R.

Aston Villa v Liverpool – Division 1 Liverpool faced a tricky tie away to Division 2 Aston Villa. Both sides had already proved their form by reaching the semi-finals in the League Cup. Liverpool got off to the better start and with some sublime attacking scored first with a lovely placed goal that send the keeper the wrong way. The home crowd expected Villa to fight back but once more Liverpool came forward and found a second. With the tie almost out of reach, Villa began their attack and midway through the second half they managed a goal of their own. Villa continued the pressure and had several opportunities to score the second, but their attackers let them down with poor shooting. Liverpool held on against significant pressure, so they go through to the 3rd Round.

Result: Aston Villa 1 v 2 Liverpool

Arsenal v Watford – Top of the table Arsenal took on surprise team of the year so far in an-all Division 1 clash. Arsenal have done well in the FA Cup over the last two seasons so were favourites for this encounter. Watford started off like they had something to prove to the bookies and they were true to their word as they took an early lead. The home fans were stunned when Watford attacked once more and scored again. Arsenal took the game by the scruff of its neck and soon hit back. It appeared as if it could go level when Arsenal mounted another challenge but it was only denied by an epic save from Watford keeper. Soon afterwards Arsenal gave away a free kick and suddenly it was 3-1. Arsenal pushed everyone forward as they thought they may have a chance if they could score a second, but Watford countered and squeezed in a fourth and put the tie out of reach for Arsenal.

Result: Arsenal 1 v 4 Watford

Leicester City v Huddersfield Town – This match was between Leicester of Division 3 and non-league Huddersfield. Leicester were by far the most dominant team as they strutted around expecting to win. That was soon rewarded as they broke the Huddersfield defence to take the lead. The home fans were expecting a second goal but Huddersfield stood strong. As Leicester started to tire, it appeared Huddersfield’s plan was to grab a late goal and possibly take the game into extra time. They had a few chances but did not trouble the Leicester keeper.

Result: Leicester City 1 v 0 Huddersfield Town

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United – Wolves have been impressive since their promotion to Division 3, but they faced a difficult task as they hosted Division 1 Newcastle. Wolves got off to a better start and were first to score. In a competitive game, Newcastle knew they had to fight and this paid off when they found an equaliser. They almost got a second but the Wolves keeper made an excellent save. As the game got into injury time, Newcastle had one final attack and it nearly paid off, but the Wolves keeper denied them. In extra time, Wolves took the upper hand and scored again. They almost had a chance to wrap up the game when Newcastle gave a needless free kick, but the wall stood strong. Newcastle then had one last opportunity at the end of the area, to take it to penalties, but the Wolves keeper was just too good. Wolves can enjoy a giant killing and a place in the 3rd Round for the first time.

Result: Wolves 2 v 1 Newcastle Utd (a.e.t.)

Leeds United v Everton – Both these teams performed well in last years FA Cup with Leeds reaching the quarter finals and Everton getting to the semis, so fans expected an exciting match as the teams wanted to extended their good cup runs. Ultimately this did not happen, as the match turned out to be a display of defences and few chances. Everton from Division 1 were the stronger team and were rewarded with the first goal. Leeds did try to counter, but their poor league form showed as the team lacked confidence. Despite their best efforts they could not beat the Everton defence. Their own defence did well to prevent Everton from scoring again – however it was the Division 1 team that go through.

Result: Leeds Utd 0 v 1 Everton

Wimbledon v Portsmouth – A close game was expected between these two sides and the fans were not wrong as the battle commenced. Wimbledon are currently two divisions above Portsmouth, but they are struggling for league form and Portsmouth could smell an upset. There was nothing to divide the teams in the first half as they tried to work out each others tactics. Wimbledon then found some extra pace as Portsmouth began to tire on the heavy turf. Wimbledon finally found the net with a good attacking move. Then it came down to the best goalkeeper as both made good saves to keep their side in the tie. In injury time, Wimbledon came close to getting a second and then the referee blew the whistle before Portsmouth could mount a final attack.

Result: Wimbledon 1 v 0 Portsmouth

Norwich City v Luton Town – Norwich, who are the Cup Finalists from the last two years, began their quest for a third final in a row against Division 2 Luton. But it was Luton who got off to the best start as they scored early after a fumble by the Norwich keeper. Luton soon doubled their lead after some strong attacking play. Division 1 Norwich knew they were in for a fight and managed to claw a goal back early in the second after a great through ball. Norwich then piled on the pressure looking for an equaliser. But it was Luton who came closest to scoring, after a breakaway shot rebounded off the keeper only to hit a Norwich player and nearly roll over the goal line. Eventually time ran out for Norwich and Luton go through.

Result: Norwich City 1 v 2 Luton Town

Charlton Athletic v Coventry City – Division 2 Charlton made a great start to the game against basement Division 3 Coventry as they hit the post twice in the first few minutes. It did not take them long to score their first after a defender game away a direct free kick. Soon after Charlton doubled their lead and looked to be coasting as Coventry were all over the place. As Charlton slowed the pace, the game changed on a dime after a defender gave away a needless penalty to make it 2-1. Coventry then burst into life and after some intricate dribbling between two forwards, an incredible flick shot saw the ball hit the corner to make it 2-2. Suddenly Charlton looked rattled and there was more pain to come as Coventry broke forward once more and a classy shot saw the ball glide into the far corner of the goal. Charlton were stunned after losing a two goal cushion and then pushed forward. They forced a great save from the Coventry keeper and also hit the post for a third time. It was not enough and Coventry let the time run down to prevent Charlton having any more chances in this shock result.

Result: Charlton Athletic 2 v 3 Coventry City

Oxford United v Crystal Palace – The fans were looking forward to a close encounter as these two Division 3 sides took on each other. Crystal Palace are top of the division but Oxford are challenging for promotion and have home advantage. It was Oxford who got off to the better start, as they played some fantastic passing play and found the net to make it 1-0. Palace knew they were in for a tough match and pressed forward for an equaliser. They were only stopped by a defender who managed to knock the Palace shot over the crossbar and onto the top of the goal netting. Oxford continued with some perfect passing and they were rewarded with a second goal. Palace were now under pressure if their cup run was to continue and they were once again thwarted by a great save from the keeper who pushed the ball onto the post and away. Oxford, cheered on by the home supporters, continued their good spell. They were soon at the top of the goal area and a superb curling shot found the net. The home fans were ecstatic and Palace knew there was not enough time to come back from this. Palace still pushed forward to try and get something for the score line, but Oxford held strong to record a record win for the club.

Result: Oxford United 3 v 0 Crystal Palace

Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday – It was going to be an exciting tie between these two sides, who were looking for a long cup run, after their league campaigns faltered. It was Sheff Wed who got off to the better start and they scored a great goal. Southampton were quick to counter but the Sheffield Wednesday keeper was playing a blinder. Wednesday kept threatening to score but the Southampton keeper made an outstanding save to keep them in the tie. Then a mistake by a Saints defender gave Sheffield a chance to double their lead, but the keeper managed to push the ball onto the post. Southampton kept the pressure on, but a breakaway from Wednesday led to a corner. The striker flicked the ball to the left of the keeper and it was 2-0. Southampton continued searching for a goal and they finally found the net after a lot of pressure, but it was too late as time ran out and the final whistle was blown before they had a chance to restart the game.

Result: Southampton 1 v 2 Sheff Wed

Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford – Non-league Brentford were in for a good day as they travelled across London to meet Division 1 Tottenham. Tottenham were the clear favourites and they did not let nerves get the better of them as they took a dominant start. It was rewarded soon as some good play resulted in them taking the lead. Tottenham continued with possession play and after a sequence of corners, they made one count with another well worked goal. Brentford did try to fight back and their best piece of play was when they hit the post, but Spurs were just too strong and they held on and played out the final minutes of the tie.

Result: Tottenham 2 v 0 Brentford

Chelsea v West Ham United – The final match of Round 2 was the top tie as rivals Chelsea took on West Ham. Chelsea were slight favourites as reigning League Champions and West Ham are struggling this season. It was Chelsea who got off to a dominant start and they managed to score on the half hour, although West Ham disputed the goal as they claimed the Chelsea striker had fouled the defender as he was taking his shot. The referee dismissed the appeals and awarded the goal. The game was fairly even although the tension was now rising. Later, Chelsea had another shot and the West Ham keeper fumbled the ball and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 2-0 to the home side. West Ham fought back and had several corners but to no avail. As Chelsea tried to play out the remaining time, they gave away a free kick which West Ham converted after it took a deflection off a defender in the wall. Time was running out for West Ham and they tried to get an equaliser but Chelsea gained possession and it was all over.

Result: Chelsea 2 v 1 West Ham United

The draw for the Second Round of the FA Cup has taken place, with the top match being an all-Division1 affair as Chelsea host West Ham. Historically Chelsea have struggled in the FA Cup whilst West Ham made it to the final in Year 1, so there is everything to play for.

The only other all-Division 1 tie is Arsenal taking on newcomers Watford at the Emirates.

There were three national league sides in the draw and they have all been given difficult matches. Sheffield United take on current Cup holders Nottingham Forest. Huddersfield Town were given the potentially easiest match-up as they are away to Division 3 Leicester City. Brentford were given an away match too, in an all-London encounter against Tottenham Hotspur.

There is at least one Conference side guaranteed in the third round after Birmingham were drawn against Burnley. There will also be at least one Division 3 side in the next round as Oxford United take on Crystal Palace. Losing finalists from the last two finals, Norwich City were given a tricky tie against Luton Town.

Other notable games include Conference side Brighton hosting Manchester United, Aston Villa host Liverpool and Leeds United take on Division 1 Everton.

Matches are to be played in Season 6 – Week 7.

The Second Round draw in full..

1. Brighton & Hove A v Manchester United
2. Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest
3. Birmingham City v Burnley
4. Manchester City v Q.P.R.
5. Aston Villa v Liverpool
6. Arsenal v Watford
7. Leicester City v Huddersfield Town
8. Wolves v Newcastle United
9. Leeds United v Everton
10. Wimbledon v Portsmouth
11. Norwich City v Luton Town
12. Charlton Athletic v Coventry City
13. Oxford United v Crystal Palace
14. Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday
15. Tottenham v Brentford
16. Chelsea v West Ham United

With the final FA Cup 1st Round matches completed, we now have the full list of 32 teams for the second round draw. The second round comprises of twelve Division 1 teams, eight Division 2 teams, plus the twelve winners from the 1st Round.

It is the first time that the FA Cup has allowed for 44 teams, in the biggest Cup competition ever for Subbuteo Club. In another first, 8 teams from the Conference were included, as well as 8 non-league sides. There were also 8 teams from Division 3 in the 1st Round, which was made up of 12 matches. There was an expectation of 5x Division 3 teams, 4x Conference and 3x non-league sides to make it through and that was exactly how it panned out.

The big teams from Division 1 now enter the Cup and some of the non-league sides will be hoping for a tie against one of the giants. There is a buzz of anticipation around the big draw for the second round which takes place on Tuesday 5th March 2024.

Each team is assigned a number for the draw, with the teams qualifying from Round 1 being given numbers 1-12, based on their match order. Division 1 sides have been given numbers 13-24, based on their current league position with Division 2 sides occupying numbers 25-32, also based on their current league position.

The draw numbers in full are as follows:

1. Coventry City
2. Wolves
3. Birmingham City
4. Huddersfield Town
5. Brentford
6. Sheffield United
7. Portsmouth
8. Oxford United
9. Burnley
10. Leicester City
11. Crystal Palace
12. Brighton & Hove Albion
13. Arsenal
14. Everton
15. Manchester United
16. Liverpool
17. Newcastle United
18. Watford
19. Southampton
20. Chelsea
21. Tottenham Hotspur
22. West Ham United
23. Nottingham Forest
24. Norwich City
25. Manchester City
26. Aston Villa
27. QPR
28. Luton Town
29. Sheffield Wednesday
30. Leeds United
31. Charlton Athletic
32. Wimbledon

The 1st Round of the FA Cup has taken place. Here is a round up of the results, with match reports from games between Division 3, Conference and non-league sides.

Coventry City v Middlesbrough – This was non-league Middlesbrough’s first game and they came up to Division 3 Coventry City. Coventry got off to a flying start as they were awarded a penalty within the first few minutes, which they easily converted. An even contested then ensured and Middlesbrough got a bit of luck as they found an equaliser just before half-time. Middlesbrough then pushed on strongly and could of almost scored a couple of times, as they even skimmed a shot off the crossbar. Coventry stayed with the plan and soon enough got the winning goal, as Middlesbrough were left weak in defence.

Result: Coventry City 2 v 1 Middlesbrough

Wolves v Sunderland – Division 3 frontrunners Wolves took on non-league Sunderland at home. It did not take Wolves long to break down the Sunderland defence and they were quickly 1-0 up. They continued to pressure the non-league side and were duly rewarded soon after with a second. The spectators expected Wolves to keep on and increase their lead, but the team sat back and let Sunderland come at them as they defended their lead. Sunderland could not break down the defence, so it is the Division 3 side Wolves, that go through to the 2nd Round. The featured image shows Wolves scoring their spectacular second goal.

Result: Wolves 2 v 0 Sunderland

Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City – Birmingham City took on non-league Bolton in the third match and it was clear to see the difference in the two sides. Birmingham immediately took hold of the game and never looked back. They scored three simple goals and although both keepers made some good saves, Bolton were unable to score a goal. Although Birmingham’s performance in the Conference has not been great, they will be pleased to have a convincing win, to see them into the second round.

Result: Bolton Wanderers 0 v 3 Birmingham City

Huddersfield Town v Bournemouth – A thrilling encounter took place between non-league Huddersfield and Conference team Bournemouth. In a close tie, Huddersfield were the first to score, before they dug in with all their might to defend their lead. Bournemouth threw everything at them and it was only down to the Huddersfield keeper and the goalpost that kept them out. The Bournemouth keeper also made some vital saves to keep them in the tie. In injury time Bournemouth won a corner and after a shot was deflected, a Bournemouth player was near the line to tuck it in to level. In extra time Huddersfield broke forward once more and shot but the ball did not cross the line. The Bournemouth keeper went to clear the ball but only kicked it towards a Huddersfield player, who was able to thunder it back into the goal. Bournemouth tried everything to find an equaliser but ran out of time as Huddersfield become the first non-league team to make it into the 2nd Round.

Result: Huddersfield Town 2 v 1 Bournemouth (AET)

Brentford v Ipswich Town – This all non-league encounter was a great opportunity for one of these sides to make it into the second round. Brentford started off the stronger and went 1-0 up just before half-time. Ipswich did their best to fight back but Brentford remained strong. Later in the second half, Brentford found a gap between defenders and duly made it 2-0. Ipswich had a great chance to get back into the game soon after, but their chip shot went over the top of the goal. In injury time, Brentford had another shot which rebounded off a defender and into the goal to make it 3-0, which was a bit unfair on the away team who had played well.

Result: Brentford 3 v 0 Ipswich Town

Derby County v Sheffield United – Derby County from Division 3 suffered a shock defeat against non-league Sheffield United in this classic Cup tie. United took an early lead but Derby used their skill to get back into the match and scored to make it equal. Derby went on to score a second before United got their second to make it 2-2 at the end of normal time. Derby soon went 3-2 ahead in extra time and thought they were through but Sheffield Utd did not give up and scored again to make it 3-3. In penalties Derby went first and Sheffield missed theirs, giving Derby the advantage. But Derby missed their second as Sheffield got level once again. It was all even until Derby missed their 5th, leaving Sheffield with a chance to go through. After a mistaken penalty, Sheffield got a retake and cleaned slotted home to win this thrilling match.

Result: Derby County 3 v 3 Sheffield United (P.3 – 4)

Portsmouth v Blackburn Rovers – This clash of two struggling Conference sides wanting a turn-around in fortunes, had all the makings of a Cup classic. Despite Portsmouth getting off to a better start, it was the away side that scored first. The Blackburn keeper then kept his side in the tie with some incredible saves, until Portsmouth finally found a way around him to make it 1-1 after full time. In extra time, Portsmouth were quick to score almost from the kick off. Blackburn were facing elimination and pushed forward and shocked the home supporters when they got a surprise equaliser. With the game heading towards penalties, Portsmouth had one last chance attacking. The defender needed to block the shot but clipped the attacker, giving a penalty. Portsmouth hammered the ball home to make it 3-2, and with only seconds remaining, it was not enough time for Blackburn to get another chance.

Result: Portsmouth 3 v 2 Blackburn Rovers (AET)

Stoke City v Oxford United – Oxford from Division 3 got off to a lightning start as they grabbed possession from Stoke and raced up the other end to score. Non-league Stoke were shocked by this encounter but prevailed until Oxford doubled their lead later on. A fantastic save from the Oxford goalkeeper prevented Stoke from getting back into the match and Oxford were happy to play out time until the final whistle to record their first FA Cup match win since Year 1.

Result: Stoke City 0 v 2 Oxford United

Burnley v Fulham – There was the prospect of a great game between these two Conference rivals, especially after Fulham beat Burnley earlier in the season. It was a close game although Fulham had the best of the chances after they struck the post. In the second half, Burnley had a good chance to score and the defender kicked out in haste, causing a penalty. Burnley duly scored and then pressed on with their home advantage as they grew in confidence to make it 2-0. Despite Fulham fighting back, time was against them and although they too hit the post, they could not find the back of the net.

Result: Burnley 2 v 0 Fulham

Leicester City v Millwall – There was nothing between these two Division 3 sides as neither were able to find a breakthrough. Leicester came the closest as they hit the post and had a series of corners in injury time, but their forwards were off target. In extra time both sides had good chances but the game remained at a deadlock. It went to penalties with Millwall going first and missing. Leicester scored but then missed their second to make it equal once more. Millwall had their fifth penalty saved and Leicester just had to score to take the result on the night.

Result: Leicester City 0 v 0 Millwall (P.4 – 3)

Crystal Palace v WBA – Division 3 leaders Crystal Palace took on a tricky West Brom team as they both looked for their first FA Cup victory. Palace began the stronger and soon took the lead. It was then a surprise when West Brom hit back before taking a shock lead. Palace were stunned back into life and were able to bring the game level again. West Brom were then awarded a free kick but Palace were able to keep the ball out of the net. Palace pushed on but could not score before time ran out. In extra time, both sides had chances but were not able to capitalise. The match reach penalties and Palace were in a state when they missed their first two. Thankfully for them, West Brom missed their second and fourth so after 5 each, the penalty score was level at 3-3. Sudden death took place and both sides scored a further two nail-biting penalties before West Brom missed their third and they were out of the Cup.

Result: Crystal Palace 2 v 2 WBA (P. SD -Crystal Palace)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Hull City – Conference Brighton took on this years Division 3 surprise team who are excelling with their league performances. It was a close encounter although it was the Hull City keeper who was working harder to keep his team in the tie. With three quarters of the match gone, Hull City gave away a free kick on the edge of the area. Brighton took full use of the opportunity and put a score on the board. Hull had a couple of good chances from a wide position. but the Brighton keeper was equal to them, with one incredible save to note. Brighton were able to hang on to take the victory.

Result: Brighton 1 v 0 Hull City

As with the actual football tournaments around the country, SubbuteoCLUB also nominates special footballs to use in our competitions.

The FA Cup is the longest standing knock-out Cup competition we have and has undergone a revamp for Year 6. This year will see the largest number of teams enter the competitions, including a number of non-league sides, many playing for the first time. Teams from Division 1 and Division 2 will enter in the second round, meaning that teams from Division 3, the Conference and non-league will need to progress through the 1st Round before they can potentially face one of the big teams.

The 1st Round kicks off during Week 6, so to commemorate this historic event, SubbuteoCLUB would like to announce the ball that will be used for the duration of the competition. We have chosen to use the Mitre Ultimax Pro 2, which is the same ball that is being used in the real FA Cup for the 2023/24 season.

We have obtained a replica of this ball in 22mm form and we are ready to commence this great Cup. The 1st Round fixtures can be found on the competition page. We will have to wait until the 1st Round is completed for the 2nd Round draw and Cup holders Nottingham Forest begin the defence of their trophy.