The draw for the Carabao Cup’s fourth round has been finalized, and it pits Liverpool against Chelsea at Anfield. The Merseyside side will welcome the London club in what promises to be a high‑profile encounter, while the reigning Premier League champions, Arsenal, have been paired with the competition’s lowest‑ranked remaining team, Fleetwood Town, in the next round. Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, will make his inaugural appearance at Anfield as the man in charge of the Blues. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds during his playing days, has taken the helm at Stamford Bridge after a brief period of speculation linking him with the vacant role at Liverpool.
His first test at Liverpool comes after Chelsea secured a victory over Leeds United in the previous round, while Liverpool themselves advanced by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. The fixture at Anfield is one of five all‑Premier League match‑ups slated for this stage of the tournament.
A sixth all‑top‑flight clash could materialize if Manchester City overcome Norwich City in their Thursday tie, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Should City prevail, they would be drawn against Brighton & Hove Albion, who recently produced a dramatic comeback to claim a win against Manchester United.
In the lower leagues, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a surprise upset against Championship outfit Sheffield United in the third round. Fleetwood’s victory over a higher‑division opponent has earned them the distinction of being the underdogs facing the league leaders. Other fixtures in the fourth round include Everton traveling to Newcastle United, Brentford heading to Sunderland, Fulham meeting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa to the Dean Court.
Additionally, a League One club will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, with Bradford City set to host Peterborough United. The fourth‑round matches are scheduled for the week beginning 26 October, offering fans a packed slate of games across the country. Below is a quick reference to the announced pairings: - Manchester City or Norwich City versus Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland versus Brentford - Bradford City versus Peterborough United - Fulham versus Crystal Palace - Bournemouth versus Aston Villa Beyond the on‑field action, the competition continues to engage supporters with a promotional "Super 6" contest, giving participants a chance to win a £1 million prize at no cost. This initiative aims to increase fan interaction and add an extra layer of excitement to the cup’s progression.
The Carabao Cup, officially known as the EFL Cup, provides clubs from the top four tiers of English football with an opportunity to secure silverware early in the season. For Liverpool, a victory over Chelsea would not only advance them to the quarter‑finals but also serve as a statement of intent under their current managerial regime.
For Chelsea, the match offers a chance for Alonso to demonstrate his tactical acumen against a familiar opponent and to further solidify his reputation in English football. Arsenal’s encounter with Fleetwood Town, meanwhile, highlights the magic of cup competitions, where lower‑league teams can test themselves against the nation’s elite. Fleetwood’s recent triumph over Sheffield United showcases their capacity to compete beyond their division, and a competitive performance against Arsenal could become a memorable chapter in the club’s history.
Overall, the fourth round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of marquee clashes, potential upsets, and the ever‑present drama that defines knockout football. As the fixtures approach, supporters across the country will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes, which could reshape the narrative of the tournament and set the tone for the remainder of the season.