Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the fourth‑round tie of the Carabao Cup, while the defending Premier League champions Arsenal have been paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town. This set‑up promises a dramatic weekend of knockout football, with several high‑profile Premier League clashes on the cards. The upcoming match will mark the first time Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield in a managerial capacity, this time leading Chelsea after his side secured a victory over Leeds United in the previous round.
The Reds, meanwhile, earned their place in the draw by overcoming Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, a result that adds further intrigue to the Anfield showdown. Alonso’s connection to Liverpool runs deep. As a player, he was an integral part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, and his illustrious playing career has often been cited as a reason why he might one day take the helm at his former club.
In recent weeks, his name surfaced in speculation surrounding a possible appointment as successor to Arne Slot, but he ultimately chose to accept the managerial role at Stamford Bridge, where he now seeks to guide Chelsea through the cup competition. Chelsea’s trip to Anfield is one of five fixtures in this round that will feature two Premier League sides facing each other. A potential sixth all‑Premier League encounter could materialise if Manchester City defeat Norwich City on Thursday.
That match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, would determine City’s opponent in the next round, with a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on the cards. Brighton earned their place after staging a remarkable comeback to beat Manchester United, a result that has added further excitement to the cup’s narrative.
In the lower leagues, League Two outfit Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a surprise upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round. Fleetwood’s victory over a higher‑division opponent underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout football and sets up a classic David‑vers‑Goliath encounter with the league champions.
Other fixtures scheduled for the fourth round include: - Everton travelling to Newcastle United - Brentford heading to Sunderland - Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage - Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa Additionally, a League One team will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, as Bradford City are set to host Peterborough United. The presence of a third‑tier side at this stage highlights the depth and competitiveness of the Carabao Cup, where smaller clubs often relish the chance to test themselves against top‑flight opposition.
The fourth‑round matches are slated for the week commencing 26 October, offering fans a packed schedule of high‑stakes encounters across the country. Below is a quick reference of the fixtures for that week: - 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 competition also offers a lucrative side‑bet for supporters.
Participants can join the “Super 6” pool for a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost. This promotional element adds an extra layer of engagement for fans following the tournament.
Overall, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round promises a blend of marquee match‑ups, potential giant‑killing stories, and the ever‑present allure of knockout drama. Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea will be a tactical battle between two managers with deep ties to the club, while Arsenal’s encounter with Fleetwood could produce another memorable upset. As the dates draw nearer, supporters across England will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes, knowing that each game could pave the way to a coveted place in the quarter‑finals and, ultimately, a shot at lifting the trophy.