Liverpool have been drawn to meet Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will travel to face the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town. This pairing sets up a high‑profile clash at Liverpool’s historic ground, as the Reds prepare to welcome a Chelsea side that has already shown a spark in the tournament.
The upcoming fixture will also mark a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his first appearance at Anfield in a managerial capacity. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the club in 2019, guided Chelsea to a victory over Leeds United in the previous round. His return to the city is tinged with nostalgia, as he once starred for the Reds before embarking on a successful coaching career that saw him briefly linked with the vacant Liverpool job after the departure of Arne Slot, only to ultimately accept the role at Stamford Bridge. Alonso’s connection to Liverpool runs deep.
As a player, he was part of the squad that secured Europe’s most coveted club prize, and his tactical acumen has already begun to shape Chelsea’s style of play. Fans will be eager to see how his philosophy translates against a Liverpool side that recently edged past Tottenham Hotspur in a tightly contested match on Tuesday. The encounter promises to be a tactical battle between two managers who understand the pressures of top‑flight football.
Chelsea’s trip to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League fixtures scheduled for this round of the competition. Earlier in the week, Manchester City travelled to Norwich City and emerged victorious, setting up a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, who themselves pulled off a dramatic comeback win against Manchester United.
These matchups underline the cup’s capacity to produce thrilling narratives, with underdogs and giants colliding in quick succession. In the lower leagues, League Two side Fleetwood Town have earned a lucrative draw against Arsenal after they stunned Championship side Sheffield United in the third round. Fleetwood’s victory was a classic cup upset, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of knockout football. The Fleetwood‑Arsenal tie will be played at the high‑scoring Fleetwood ground, offering the North West club a chance to test themselves against the league champions and potentially create another memorable giant‑killing story.
Other fourth‑round fixtures include Everton hosting Newcastle United, Brentford travelling to Sunderland, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at the iconic Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa to Dean Court. These matches continue the trend of all‑Premier League clashes, highlighting the depth of talent across England’s top tier. The competition also guarantees representation from the lower divisions in the later stages.
In the quarter‑finals, League One side Bradford City will host Peterborough United, ensuring that the magic of the cup extends beyond the elite clubs. This blend of top‑flight and lower‑league teams is a hallmark of the Carabao Cup, providing a platform for smaller clubs to showcase their abilities on a national stage. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled for the week beginning 26 October, with fixtures spread across the weekend to accommodate broadcasting commitments and club calendars. Fans can look forward to a series of high‑intensity matches that will determine which teams advance to the quarter‑finals and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Match schedule for the round: - Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford City vs Peterborough United - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa In addition to the on‑field action, the tournament continues to engage supporters through interactive promotions. The "Super 6" competition offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available free of charge. This initiative aims to heighten fan involvement and add an extra layer of excitement to the cup’s progression.
Overall, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round promises a blend of drama, tactical intrigue, and the ever‑present possibility of surprise results. Liverpool’s encounter with Chelsea will be a marquee event, especially given Xabi Alonso’s personal connection to the venue, while Arsenal’s journey to Fleetwood underscores the tournament’s reputation for delivering unforgettable moments across all levels of English football.