Liverpool have been drawn to meet Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, a fixture that adds another high‑profile Premier League clash to an already busy mid‑season schedule. The draw also saw defending champions Arsenal paired with the competition’s lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, after the latter’s impressive run in the earlier rounds. The upcoming Liverpool‑Chelsea tie will be particularly noteworthy for Xabi Alonso, who will make his first return to Anfield in a managerial capacity. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds as a player, has taken charge of Chelsea after guiding them to a victory over Leeds United last week.
This appointment marks a full-circle moment for the Spaniard, who was once linked with the Liverpool managerial vacancy following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, before ultimately opting to accept the role at Stamford Bridge. Alonso’s connection to Liverpool runs deep. During his playing days he was a pivotal figure in the side’s midfield, contributing to their 2019 Champions League triumph and earning a reputation for composure and tactical intelligence. Those same qualities are now expected to shape Chelsea’s approach in the cup tie, as they look to navigate a demanding fixture list that includes league commitments and European competition.
Chelsea’s trip to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League encounters scheduled for this round of the Carabao Cup. The other match‑ups feature Manchester City versus Brighton, Sunderland against Brentford, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth hosting Aston Villa. The concentration of top‑flight clubs at this stage underscores the tournament’s growing prestige and the desire of elite teams to secure silverware early in the season.
Manchester City’s fixture against Brighton comes after City’s dominant performance against Norwich City, which secured them a home tie against the Seagulls. Brighton, fresh from a dramatic comeback win over Manchester United, will be eager to prove they belong among the competition’s elite.
Meanwhile, Sunderland travel to Brentford, and Bradford City—representing League One—will host Peterborough United in what promises to be a tightly contested quarter‑final. In the lower tiers, Fleetwood Town’s draw against Arsenal is a classic David‑vers‑Goliath story. Fleetwood, a League Two side, earned their place in the fourth round by defeating Championship outfit Sheffield United on their own turf in the third round, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cup football.
Their home ground, Highbury Stadium, will host a side that has already lifted the Carabao Cup trophy and is looking to add another piece of hardware to its cabinet. Elsewhere in the draw, Everton will welcome Newcastle United, while Brentford travel to Sunderland. Fulham will meet Crystal Palace at the historic Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth will host Aston Villa. These fixtures complete a round that features a blend of historic rivalries and fresh match‑ups, offering fans a variety of storylines to follow.
The fourth round matches are slated for the week commencing 26 October, providing clubs with a crucial window to rotate squads, test tactical variations, and give fringe players valuable minutes in a competitive environment. For managers like Alonso, the cup offers an opportunity to assess squad depth and experiment with formations ahead of the grueling Premier League campaign. Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup continues to engage fans through interactive promotions.
One such initiative, the “Super 6” competition, gives participants a chance to win a £1 million prize by entering for free, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters across the country. In summary, Liverpool’s upcoming encounter with Chelsea promises a compelling blend of nostalgia and fresh ambition, with Xabi Alonso returning to the stadium where he once starred, now as a manager.
The broader fourth‑round draw highlights the tournament’s appeal to clubs across all levels of English football, from Premier League giants to lower‑league underdogs, all vying for a coveted trophy and the chance to etch their names into cup history.