Liverpool have been drawn to play Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will face the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, in their next tie. The upcoming match marks a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his inaugural appearance at Anfield as a head coach. Alonso’s side secured a victory over Leeds United in the previous round, and Liverpool advanced past Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high‑profile encounter at the historic stadium. Alonso, a former Liverpool player who lifted the Champions League trophy during a distinguished spell with the club, was widely speculated to be a candidate for the vacant managerial position at Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot.
Instead, he chose to embark on his managerial career at Stamford Bridge, bringing a personal connection and a deep understanding of the club’s culture to his new role. Chelsea’s journey to Anfield is one of six fixtures in this round that will see two Premier League sides face each other. The other matchups include Manchester City, who defeated Norwich City on Thursday and will now host Brighton & Hove Albion – a side that famously staged a dramatic comeback to win at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Sunderland will travel to Brentford, and Fulham will host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.
Bournemouth will welcome Aston Villa, while Everton will take on Newcastle United. In the lower divisions, League Two outfit Fleetwood Town earned the right to host Arsenal after pulling off a surprising upset over Championship side Sheffield United in the third round.
This victory has propelled Fleetwood into the spotlight, giving them a rare opportunity to test themselves against the league champions on their home turf. The draw also guarantees that a League One team will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, as Bradford City have been drawn against Peterborough United.
This ensures that clubs from across the English football pyramid will continue to have a chance of progressing deep into the competition. The fourth‑round fixtures are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October, providing fans with a packed slate of matches that showcase both elite Premier League talent and the unpredictable charm of knockout football. The Carabao Cup, known for its potential to produce surprising results and give smaller clubs a platform to shine, remains a beloved tournament for supporters across the country. Beyond the on‑field action, the competition continues to engage fans with additional interactive experiences.
For instance, participants can join the "Super 6" game, a free entry contest that offers a chance to win a £1 million prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament’s narrative. Overall, the upcoming round promises a blend of high‑stakes drama, managerial storylines, and the ever‑present possibility of underdog triumphs. Liverpool’s Anfield will host a thrilling encounter with Chelsea, while Arsenal travel to Fleetwood Town’s stadium, where the League Two side will look to make history against one of the nation’s most successful clubs.
As the Carabao Cup progresses, football enthusiasts can look forward to more memorable moments, unexpected upsets, and the continued celebration of England’s rich footballing heritage.