BIRMINGHAM CITY will begin their defence of the Carling Cup at Manchester City.

Blues, who were given a bye to the third round due to their Europa League commitments, are due to face the oil-rich City side on the week beginning September 19.

It will be only the second time Blues have faced Manchester City in the League Cup.

Their only other encounter was in the 2001-2002 season when a Darren Huckerby hat-trick helped City win 6-0.

When the two City sides last met in Manchester, in November last year, a 0-0 draw was the result. 

Elsewhere, Aston Villa will be at home to Bolton, West Brom travel to Everton and Wolves welcome Millwall