The latest Carabao Cup draw has set up an intriguing fourth‑round encounter at Anfield, with Liverpool slated to welcome Chelsea to their home ground. This matchup follows Liverpool's recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which secured their place in the next stage of the competition.
On the opposite side, Chelsea earned their spot by defeating Leeds United in the previous round, and they will now travel north to face the Reds. For Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, the fixture carries added significance.
It will be his inaugural return to Anfield as a head coach, a venue where he once thrived as a player. Alonso was a key figure in Liverpool's 2019 Champions League triumph, and his deep connection to the club makes this meeting particularly poignant.
Earlier this season, rumors linked him to the vacant managerial position at Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot, but he ultimately chose to take the reins at Stamford Bridge instead. The Liverpool‑Chelsea tie is one of six all‑Premier League duels scheduled for the fourth round. The other five fixtures feature Manchester City versus Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland against Brentford, Bradford City hosting Peterborough United, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa.
Manchester City earned their place after a comfortable win over Norwich City, while Brighton secured a dramatic comeback victory against Manchester United to advance. Meanwhile, the competition’s lowest‑ranked side still in the tournament, League Two outfit Fleetwood Town, will host Premier League champions Arsenal. Fleetwood earned this rare opportunity after pulling off an upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round, demonstrating the cup's capacity for surprise results. Their encounter with Arsenal promises to be a classic David‑vers‑Goliath showdown, with the north‑west club looking to test the might of the league leaders on their own turf.
Other notable fixtures include Everton hosting Newcastle United, a clash that could provide a platform for the Toffees to revive their cup ambitions. Brentford will travel to Sunderland, while Fulham will meet Crystal Palace at the historic Craven Cottage.
Bournemouth’s match against Aston Villa adds another Premier League encounter, further highlighting the depth of top‑flight representation in this stage of the tournament. The fourth round is slated to take place during the week commencing 26 October, giving clubs a brief window to prepare for the high‑stakes knockout ties.
As the competition progresses, the prospect of a League One side reaching the quarter‑finals remains alive; Bradford City, after defeating Peterborough United, will be the sole representative from the third tier if they continue their cup run. Fans can also engage with the tournament’s promotional activities, such as the "Super 6" game that offers a chance to win a £1 million prize pool. Participation is free, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the cup’s developments. Overall, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes and potential giant‑killing narratives.
Liverpool’s Anfield will host a tactical battle between two seasoned managers, while lower‑division teams like Fleetwood Town and Bradford City strive to defy the odds and carve their names into the competition’s storied history. The upcoming fixtures set the stage for thrilling football, unexpected outcomes, and the enduring magic that cup competitions bring to clubs and supporters alike.