Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, a fixture that promises a high‑profile clash between two of England's most storied clubs. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked survivor, Fleetwood Town, after the latter produced a shock upset in the previous round. The upcoming Liverpool‑Chelsea tie will mark the first time that Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield in a managerial capacity.
Alonso, who guided Liverpool to Champions League glory as a player, has taken over the reins at Chelsea following their recent victory over Leeds United. His debut at the historic stadium comes just days after the Reds secured a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a compelling narrative of former Liverpool greats now on opposite sides of the touchline. Alonso's appointment at Chelsea was the subject of much speculation earlier in the season. Rumours linked him to the vacant manager's job at Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot, but he ultimately chose to stay in the Premier League by accepting the role at Stamford Bridge.
His deep connection to Liverpool, both as a player and a coach, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter, as fans will be keen to see how his tactical ideas translate against his former club. Chelsea's trip to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League fixtures scheduled for this round of the competition. The other matchups include Manchester City, who travel to Brighton after their own dramatic win over Norwich City, and a series of other top‑flight clashes that underline the tournament's growing prestige.
Notably, Brighton secured a sensational comeback victory against Manchester United, further highlighting the unpredictable nature of cup football. In the lower divisions, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a remarkable victory over Championship side Sheffield United in the third round.
Fleetwood's run has captured the imagination of neutral observers, and their upcoming game against the league champions will be a test of whether a small club can continue to defy expectations. Other fixtures in the fourth round include Everton hosting Newcastle United, Brentford traveling to Sunderland, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa. The draw also guarantees a League One presence in the quarter‑finals, with Bradford City set to face Peterborough United, ensuring that the competition retains its reputation for giving lower‑league teams a chance to shine on a national stage.
The fourth round matches are slated for the week beginning 26 October, providing fans with a busy schedule of midweek football that will likely see rotation from managers seeking to balance league commitments with cup ambitions. Below is a quick reference to the confirmed fixtures for the round: - Manchester City vs Brighton - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford vs Peterborough - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - Liverpool vs Chelsea - Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town - Everton vs Newcastle United In addition to the on‑field action, the competition continues to engage supporters off the pitch with promotional activities, such as the "Super 6" contest that offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize.
Entry to the contest is free, encouraging a wider audience to stay involved throughout the tournament. Overall, the Carabao Cup's fourth round promises a blend of marquee matchups, potential giant‑killing stories, and the ever‑present drama that only knockout football can deliver. Whether you are a supporter of a top‑flight club or a fan of a lower‑league underdog, the upcoming fixtures provide ample reason to tune in and enjoy the excitement that comes with each sudden‑death encounter.