Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the fourth‑round tie of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have been paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town. This set of fixtures marks a significant moment for both clubs as they look to progress in the tournament and offers fans a series of intriguing match‑ups across the country. The upcoming Anfield clash will see Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso make his inaugural return to the historic stadium, this time wearing a coaching badge rather than a Liverpool shirt.
Alonso, who guided Liverpool to Champions League glory as a player during a distinguished spell with the Reds, was widely linked with the vacant managerial role at Liverpool earlier this season. Instead, he opted to take charge of Chelsea after his side secured a victory over Leeds United in their previous round. For the Reds, the journey continues after a hard‑fought win against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high‑stakes encounter against a Chelsea side eager to prove their mettle under new leadership. Chelsea's visit to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League fixtures scheduled for this round of the competition.
The other five involve clubs that have already demonstrated their quality in the cup, including Manchester City, who earned a home tie against Brighton after a convincing win over Norwich City on Thursday. Brighton, fresh from a dramatic comeback that saw them overturn a deficit and clinch a victory at Manchester United, will now test the defending champions on their own turf. These all‑Premier League duels underline the depth of talent on display in the Carabao Cup this season and promise a series of tightly contested matches.
Meanwhile, in the lower leagues, League Two side Fleetwood Town have earned the right to host Arsenal after pulling off a notable upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round. Fleetwood's victory over a higher‑division opponent highlighted the unpredictable nature of cup football, where underdogs often rise to the occasion and challenge the established order. Arsenal, having navigated their way through the earlier stages with relative ease, will now face a motivated Fleetwood side eager to continue their giant‑killing run. The draw also produced several other intriguing fixtures across the country.
Everton will welcome Newcastle United at Goodison Park, offering a chance for the Toffees to assert themselves against a strong northern opponent. Brentford are set to travel to Sunderland, while Fulham will host Crystal Palace at the iconic Craven Cottage, a venue steeped in football history. In the south, Bournemouth will host Aston Villa, creating a clash between two clubs with ambitious plans for the season.
One of the most compelling storylines emerging from the draw is the presence of a League One team in the quarter‑finals. Bradford City, who have navigated the early rounds with determination, will host Peterborough United, ensuring that the competition retains a diverse representation of English football's tiers.
This inclusion highlights the Carabao Cup's reputation as a tournament where clubs from all levels have a realistic chance of progressing deep into the competition. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is slated to take place during the week commencing 26 October, giving clubs a narrow window to prepare for their opponents and manage squad rotation amidst a busy domestic schedule.
The timing also adds an extra layer of strategic planning for managers, who must balance the desire to advance in the cup with the demands of league fixtures and European commitments. Below is a concise list of the fourth‑round fixtures as confirmed by the draw: - 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 Fans are encouraged to engage with the competition beyond the matches themselves.
A promotional "Super 6" contest offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost. This initiative adds an extra dimension of excitement for supporters, who can test their knowledge of the tournament while hoping for a life‑changing reward. Overall, the Carabao Cup fourth round promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes and captivating underdog narratives. Whether you are a supporter of a top‑flight club looking to add silverware to your cabinet or a fan of a lower‑league side hoping for a historic upset, the upcoming fixtures deliver a compelling showcase of English football's depth and unpredictability.