A home draw awaits Newcastle United or AFC Wimbledon in the next round of the Carabao Cup

It has finally happened - Newcastle United have been drawn as the home side in the Carabao Cup at last.

However before we get too carried away, there's still the task of overcoming AFC Wimbledon at St James' Park in the rearranged fixture next week.

Whoever emerges victorious from that game will host Premier League opposition in the next round.

That's right, Newcastle may have been given a home tie, but they couldn't have it all their own way.

Chelsea await the winners of Tuesday's rearranged Carabao Cup fixture

Provided all goes to plan next week against The Dons, Newcastle will face Chelsea at St James' Park in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

It was the Blues who knocked Newcastle out of the competition last season after the Magpies had already seen off the challenges of Manchester City and Manchester United.

The Magpies will be out for revenge this time with the St James' Park crowd behind them.

Newcastle never seem to have it easy in the Carabao Cup

The fourth round fixtures will take place during the week commencing 28th October.

Should AFC Wimbledon achieve the unlikely and knock Newcastle out of the cup on Tuesday night, then they will have to hope that the pitch repairs are completed in time for the next round otherwise they could find themselves in a similar situation of having to change the venue.

It's hardly the most favourable draw we could have asked for, but to be the best you have to beat the best.