The upcoming Carabao Cup fourth‑round fixtures have been set, and one of the headline match‑ups pits Liverpool against Chelsea at Anfield. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
For Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, the tie represents a poignant return to Anfield. Alonso, who guided Liverpool to Champions League glory as a player during his illustrious spell at the club, will now face his former team from the opposite dugout after Chelsea's 2‑1 victory over Leeds United last week.
Meanwhile, Liverpool secured their own progression by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high‑profile clash between two of England's most storied clubs. Alonso's appointment at Chelsea has been the subject of considerable speculation. Earlier this season, his name surfaced as a potential successor to Arne Slot at Liverpool, a move that would have seen him return to the club where he once shone on the European stage. Instead, he opted for the challenge of Stamford Bridge, where he is now tasked with navigating the knockout format of the Carabao Cup and delivering results against familiar opposition.
Chelsea's journey to Anfield marks one of six all‑Premier League fixtures slated for this round. The other five include Manchester City, who earned a home tie against Brighton after their 2‑0 win over Norwich City; Brighton themselves, who staged a dramatic comeback to claim victory at Manchester United; and a series of other top‑flight clashes that underline the depth of talent still competing in the tournament. In the lower divisions, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a shock upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round.
Fleetwood's victory over a higher‑ranked opponent has injected excitement into their cup run, and they will now test the mettle of the defending league champions on their own turf. Other notable fourth‑round pairings include Everton traveling to Newcastle United, Brentford heading to Sunderland, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa to the Dean Court. These matches continue the tradition of the Carabao Cup providing opportunities for clubs across the English football pyramid to face off in knockout drama. The competition will also see a League One representative reach the quarter‑finals, as Bradford City are set to host Peterborough United.
This demonstrates the tournament's reputation for producing surprising runs from clubs outside the top two tiers. The fourth‑round fixtures are scheduled for the week beginning 26 October, with kick‑offs spread across the weekend and midweek to accommodate broadcasting commitments and club schedules. Fans can look forward to a blend of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the ever‑present possibility of giant‑killing acts that define English cup football.
Below is a quick reference to the confirmed fourth‑round match‑ups: - Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford City vs Peterborough United - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - Liverpool vs Chelsea - Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town - Everton vs Newcastle United The Carabao Cup continues to offer clubs a valuable opportunity to rotate squads, give younger players experience, and chase silverware early in the season. For managers like Xabi Alonso, it also provides a platform to showcase tactical acumen against familiar foes, while for clubs such as Fleetwood Town, it offers a chance to write a memorable chapter in their history by challenging the nation's elite. Fans eager to engage further with the competition can also participate in the "Super 6" promotion, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize pool. Entry to this contest is free, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the tournament's progress.
Overall, the fourth round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes and inspiring underdog stories, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of England's beloved knockout cup tradition.