The upcoming fourth round of the Carabao Cup has been set, and Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield for a highly anticipated clash. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest-ranked remaining team, Fleetwood Town, in a tie that promises a classic David‑versus‑Goliath storyline.
Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is poised to make his inaugural appearance at Liverpool’s iconic stadium. Alonso, who guided Chelsea to a victory over Leeds United in the previous round, will now face the Reds, who themselves secured a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. This meeting marks a poignant moment for Alonso, who once lifted the Champions League trophy as a Liverpool player during his illustrious playing career.
After his successful spell at Liverpool, rumors linked him to the vacant managerial position at his former club, but he ultimately chose to embark on his coaching journey at Stamford Bridge. The Anfield showdown is one of six fixtures in this round that will feature exclusively Premier League sides. The other five match‑ups include Manchester City, who earned a home tie against Brighton after defeating Norwich City on Thursday.
Brighton, in turn, earned their place by staging a remarkable comeback to overcome Manchester United in a dramatic encounter. Meanwhile, Everton will host Newcastle United, Brentford travel to Sunderland, Fulham will meet Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth will welcome Aston Villa to their ground.
In the lower‑league bracket, League Two side Fleetwood Town have earned the right to host Arsenal after pulling off a stunning upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round. Their victory over a higher‑division opponent highlights the unpredictable nature of cup competitions, where smaller clubs can often surprise the giants. The draw also guarantees that a League One team will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, as Bradford City are set to host Peterborough United.
This continuation of lower‑league representation adds an extra layer of excitement and the possibility of further giant‑killing acts as the tournament progresses. The fourth‑round fixtures are scheduled to be played during the week commencing 26 October, giving fans a busy weekend of football across the country. Below is a quick rundown of the match‑ups for this round: - Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford City vs Peterborough United - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - Liverpool vs Chelsea - Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town - Everton vs Newcastle United Each of these games will be a knockout encounter, meaning there is no room for error; a single lapse could see a top‑flight club eliminated from the competition.
The Carabao Cup, traditionally known as the EFL Cup, offers a valuable route into European competition for the winner, making it a coveted prize for clubs looking to secure silverware early in the season. Fans of both Liverpool and Chelsea will be especially eager to see how the new managerial appointments influence their teams.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder with a deep understanding of the club’s culture, will be under intense scrutiny to see if his tactical ideas can translate into success on the pitch. On the other side, Liverpool’s coaching staff will be looking to maintain the momentum built from their recent victory over Tottenham and continue their pursuit of domestic trophies.
Beyond the headline fixtures, the competition continues to showcase the depth of English football. The inclusion of clubs from the lower tiers, such as Fleetwood Town and Bradford City, underscores the inclusive nature of the cup, offering smaller clubs the chance to test themselves against the nation’s elite.
These matches often produce memorable moments that resonate with fans long after the final whistle. In addition to the football action, the Carabao Cup organizers have introduced a promotional element for supporters: the "Super 6" competition, which gives participants a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to this contest is free, adding an extra incentive for fans to engage with the tournament. Overall, the fourth round promises a blend of high‑profile Premier League clashes and compelling underdog stories, setting the stage for an exhilarating continuation of the Carabao Cup.
Whether you are a supporter of the top‑flight clubs or a follower of the lower‑league teams, the upcoming fixtures are sure to deliver drama, excitement, and the ever‑present possibility of a surprise result that could reshape the narrative of this season's cup run.