Liverpool have been drawn to host Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, a fixture that promises a high‑profile clash at Anfield. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked survivor, League One side Fleetwood Town, after the latter pulled off a surprising victory over Sheffield United in the previous round. The upcoming Anfield encounter will mark a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his first return to Liverpool's historic stadium in a managerial capacity.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with the Reds in 2019, had been linked with the Liverpool job earlier this season, but ultimately chose to take charge at Stamford Bridge after guiding Chelsea past Leeds United in the previous round. His deep ties to the club and his recent success in England add an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as he will be looking to outwit his former teammates on their own turf. Liverpool earned their place in the tie by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, a win that showcased the attacking flair and defensive solidity that Jürgen Klopp’s side has been trying to perfect this season. Meanwhile, Chelsea's progression was secured with a narrow victory over Leeds, a result that kept their hopes of a deep cup run alive and set the stage for a potentially thrilling showdown against one of England's most storied clubs.
Chelsea's trip to Anfield is just one of six all‑Premier League fixtures slated for the fourth round, highlighting the tournament's increasing concentration of top‑flight teams as the competition progresses. Earlier in the week, Manchester City travelled to Norwich City and emerged victorious, earning a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton, who famously staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester United in the previous round, will now look to continue their giant‑killing form against the defending champions. In the lower divisions, Fleetwood Town have earned a rare opportunity to host Arsenal after their impressive upset over Sheffield United.
The League Two side's victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, and it will provide a memorable occasion for their supporters to see a top‑flight team at Highbury Stadium. Arsenal, under the guidance of their new manager, will aim to navigate the cup with the same intensity they display in the league, while also giving fringe players valuable minutes.
The draw also outlined several other fixtures: Everton will welcome Newcastle United, Brentford will travel to Sunderland, Fulham will host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth will host Aston Villa. Additionally, the quarter‑finals will feature a League One presence as Bradford City prepare to face Peterborough United, ensuring that the competition retains its reputation for producing unexpected match‑ups and opportunities for lower‑league clubs to test themselves against higher‑ranked opposition. The fourth‑round matches are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October, giving clubs a short window to finalize their squads and strategies ahead of what promises to be an action‑packed period of football. The Carabao Cup, often seen as a platform for emerging talent and tactical experimentation, continues to deliver excitement, with the added allure of a £1 million prize in the Super 6 competition, which fans can enter for free.
For Liverpool, the game against Chelsea offers a chance to reinforce their domestic credentials and build momentum ahead of the congested fixtures that lie ahead in the Premier League and European competitions. Klopp’s side will likely field a blend of seasoned starters and promising youngsters, seeking to balance the need for a win with the desire to keep key players fresh for upcoming league challenges. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be eager to prove that Alonso’s appointment is already bearing fruit. The Spanish manager will be tasked with devising a game plan that can neutralise Liverpool’s high‑pressing style while exploiting any defensive lapses.
His familiarity with Anfield’s atmosphere and his personal history with the club could provide a psychological edge, but the quality of Liverpool’s squad means that any complacency could be costly. Overall, the fourth round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of high‑stakes drama, potential upsets, and a showcase of managerial tactics. Fans can look forward to a series of compelling fixtures that will not only determine who advances to the quarter‑finals but also set the tone for the remainder of the season for many of England’s top clubs.
Whether you are a supporter of the giants or an admirer of the underdogs, this round of the competition offers plenty of footballing intrigue and excitement.