The latest Carabao Cup draw has set up an exciting fourth‑round clash at Anfield, with Liverpool slated to welcome Chelsea to their home ground. The fixture promises a high‑profile encounter between two of England's most storied clubs, and it also marks a noteworthy moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will be making his first appearance at Liverpool's iconic stadium in a managerial capacity.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy for the Reds in 2019, has quickly become a talking point ever since he accepted the Chelsea job. While there were early rumors linking him to the vacant managerial position at Liverpool, he chose instead to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
His debut at Anfield will come after Chelsea secured a 2‑1 victory over Leeds United in the previous round, while Liverpool earned their place by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. The Liverpool‑Chelsea tie is one of six all‑Premier League match‑ups scheduled for this stage of the competition.
The other fixtures include Manchester City hosting Brighton & Hove Albion after City’s 2‑0 win over Norwich City, and a series of away ties such as Sunderland travelling to Brentford, Fulham meeting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth taking on Aston Villa. Notably, the draw also produced a classic David‑and‑Goliath story: Premier League champions Arsenal have been paired with Fleetwood Town, the lowest‑ranked side still alive in the tournament. Fleetwood, a League Two club, earned their place by shocking Championship side Sheffield United at home in the third round, setting up a tantalising showdown against the league leaders. In the lower‑division bracket, Bradford City will host Peterborough United, guaranteeing at least one League One side will make it to the quarter‑finals.
This blend of elite and underdog match‑ups underscores the Carabao Cup’s reputation for producing unexpected results and giving smaller clubs a chance to test themselves against top‑flight opposition. The fourth round is scheduled to be played during the week commencing 26 October, a period that will see a packed calendar of cup action across the country. Fans can look forward to a series of tightly contested fixtures, each offering a different narrative: the high‑stakes Liverpool‑Chelsea rivalry, Arsenal’s potential giant‑killing of Fleetwood, and the continued pursuit of silverware by clubs like Manchester City, who are aiming to add another trophy to their already impressive haul. Beyond the on‑field drama, the competition also features a promotional element known as the "Super 6".
Participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £1 million prize, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters who follow the tournament closely. In summary, the Carabao Cup fourth round promises a blend of marquee match‑ups and underdog stories. Liverpool’s Anfield will host a compelling Chelsea side led by a former Liverpool hero turned manager, while Arsenal face a daunting test against a determined Fleetwood Town side that has already proven they can upset higher‑ranked opponents. Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Brentford, Fulham, and Bournemouth will also be fighting for progression, ensuring the competition remains one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the English football calendar this autumn.