2012–13 Football League Cup

Bradford were the first team from the fourth tier of English football to appear in a League Cup final since 1962.

The second round draw also included the top two highest ranked teams from last season not currently in the Premier League, these being Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.

The seven English teams playing in European competitions during the season – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – entered at this stage, while the other 25 teams had all progressed from the second round.

[10] The draw for the quarter-finals took place on 31 October 2012 after the televised game between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Due to their involvement at the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea played their match the following week.

[12] The draw for the semi-finals took place on 19 December 2012 after the televised game between Leeds United and Chelsea.