Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the fourth‑round tie of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will face the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, in the next round. The fixture marks a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his inaugural appearance at Anfield as a head coach.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds during his playing career, has been linked with the Liverpool job in the past. Instead, he chose to take charge of Chelsea after guiding them to a victory over Leeds United in the previous round, while Liverpool earned their place by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. Alonso’s personal connection to the club adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Having once been a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield, he knows the atmosphere at Anfield intimately, and his tactical approach will be closely scrutinised by both sets of supporters. The encounter will also be one of five all‑Premier League clashes scheduled for this stage of the competition, underscoring the depth of quality still present in the tournament.
If Manchester City emerge victorious against Norwich City on Thursday, a sixth all‑Premier League tie could be added to the calendar. In that scenario, City would host Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter‑finals – a match that would be a continuation of Brighton’s recent heroics, having staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester United in their previous fixture. Meanwhile, in the lower‑league bracket, League Two side Fleetwood Town have secured a home tie against Arsenal after pulling off a surprise win over Championship outfit Sheffield United in the third round.
Fleetwood’s upset victory demonstrated the unpredictable nature of cup football, where smaller clubs can often challenge the traditional powerhouses. Other fourth‑round match‑ups include Everton travelling to Newcastle United, Brentford heading to Sunderland, Fulham hosting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth taking on Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium. Additionally, a League One side will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, with Bradford City set to host Peterborough United after both clubs advanced from the previous round.
The fourth‑round fixtures are slated to be played during the week commencing 26 October, providing fans with a packed schedule of high‑stakes knockout football. Below is a quick reference to the remaining pairings for this round: - Manchester City or Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford City vs Peterborough United - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup continues to offer fans the chance to engage with interactive promotions. This season, participants can join the "Super 6" competition for a shot at a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost. In summary, the upcoming Liverpool‑Chelsea clash promises to be a captivating encounter, pitting a manager with deep personal ties to Anfield against a side eager to prove its quality in the cup.
At the same time, Arsenal’s meeting with Fleetwood Town highlights the tournament’s capacity for David‑versus‑Goliath narratives, while the rest of the draw sets the stage for several compelling Premier League duels. As the week of 26 October approaches, supporters across the country will be counting down to a series of thrilling matches that could shape the remainder of the Carabao Cup campaign.