The upcoming Carabao Cup fourth-round fixtures have been set, and one of the headline matchups pits Liverpool against Chelsea at Anfield. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest-ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, after the latter produced a shock victory over Sheffield United in the previous round. This encounter will mark the first time Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield in a managerial capacity, this time leading Chelsea. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy for the Reds during a glittering playing career, was previously linked with the vacant Liverpool job after the departure of Arne Slot.
Instead, he accepted the role at Stamford Bridge, guiding Chelsea to a win over Leeds United last week. Meanwhile, Liverpool earned their place in the tie by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, securing a home fixture against their city rivals. Chelsea's journey to Anfield is part of a broader pattern this season, with six all-Premier League clashes scheduled for the fourth round.
Manchester City, for example, will host Brighton after their own 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Thursday. Brighton, in turn, earned a dramatic comeback win at Manchester United, setting up a high‑profile showdown with the league leaders. These fixtures underscore the depth of talent across the top flight and promise a series of exciting, tightly contested matches. In the lower leagues, League Two side Fleetwood Town will welcome Arsenal to Highbury Stadium.
Fleetwood's remarkable run has already seen them eliminate Championship side Sheffield United at home, a result that has captured the imagination of neutral fans and highlighted the cup's reputation for giant‑killing acts. Their upcoming clash with Arsenal will test the limits of their underdog spirit against a side that has already secured the Premier League title. Other fourth‑round pairings include Everton traveling to Newcastle United, Brentford heading to Sunderland, and Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at the historic Craven Cottage. Bournemouth will also host Aston Villa, adding another Premier League meeting to the schedule.
Notably, the quarter‑finals will feature a League One representative, as Bradford City are set to host Peterborough United, ensuring that clubs from outside the top tier remain in contention. The fourth round is slated for the week beginning 26 October, giving clubs a few weeks to prepare for what many expect to be a series of intense, high‑stakes games.
The competition has a long tradition of providing a platform for emerging talent, tactical experimentation, and, of course, the occasional upset that defines knockout football. Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup continues to engage fans with promotional activities. This week, for instance, the tournament is running a "Super 6" contest that offers participants a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost.
Such initiatives aim to broaden the tournament's appeal and reward supporters for their loyalty. Looking ahead, the outcomes of these matches will shape the remainder of the cup campaign.
Liverpool will aim to leverage their home advantage and the emotional narrative of Alonso's return to secure progression, while Chelsea will look to build on their recent form and prove that their new manager can deliver results against one of England's most storied clubs. Arsenal, despite already clinching the league crown, will be keen to avoid a repeat of the upset that saw them eliminated by lower‑division opposition in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Fleetwood Town will hope to continue their fairy‑tale run, possibly adding another giant‑killing to their résumé. Overall, the Carabao Cup's fourth round promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes, compelling underdog stories, and the ever‑present possibility of surprise results that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you are a supporter of a top‑flight side or a lover of the beautiful game’s unpredictable nature, the upcoming fixtures offer a compelling showcase of English football at its most competitive and entertaining.