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 announcement also revealed that Premier League champions Arsenal will face the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining team, Fleetwood Town, in the next round. This fixture marks a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his inaugural return to Anfield in a managerial capacity.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds during a distinguished playing career, took charge of Chelsea after guiding them to a victory over Leeds United in the previous round. Meanwhile, Liverpool secured their own progression by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high‑profile encounter between two of England's most storied clubs.
Alonso's appointment at Chelsea has been a talking point ever since rumors linked him with the vacant managerial position at Liverpool following the departure of Jürgen Klopp. While many speculated that the former Liverpool star might return to his old club, he instead chose to embark on his first senior coaching role at Stamford Bridge. His personal history with Anfield adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming tie, as he will be looking to outwit the side he once helped dominate European football. Chelsea's trip to Liverpool is one of six all‑Premier League match‑ups scheduled for this round of the competition.
Earlier in the week, Manchester City traveled to Norwich City, securing a win that set up a home tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton, in turn, earned their place after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester United, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the cup. The other all‑Premier League fixtures include Sunderland versus Brentford, Bradford City facing Peterborough United, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth hosting Aston Villa.
These fixtures highlight the depth of talent across the top flight and promise a series of tightly contested games. In the lower‑league bracket, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a notable upset against Championship side Sheffield United in the third round.
Fleetwood's victory over a higher‑ranked opponent showcases the magic of cup football, where smaller clubs can challenge the giants and often succeed. Their upcoming match against Arsenal will test the team's resilience and tactical acumen, as they look to replicate their giant‑killing performance. Other notable pairings in this round include Everton versus Newcastle United, a classic north‑west showdown, and Brentford traveling to Sunderland for what promises to be a hard‑fought encounter.
Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage, while Bournemouth will host Aston Villa, each match offering a chance for clubs to secure a place in the quarter‑finals and keep their cup ambitions alive. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled to take place during the week commencing 26 October, with matches spread across several midweek dates to accommodate the congested football calendar. The competition continues to provide a platform for emerging talents, tactical experimentation, and the occasional surprise result that captures the imagination of fans across the country. Looking ahead, the quarter‑finals will feature a mix of Premier League heavyweights and lower‑division underdogs.
Notably, a League One side, Bradford City, is set to host Peterborough United, ensuring that the tournament retains its inclusive spirit and offers opportunities for clubs outside the top tier to make a deep run. Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup also promotes fan engagement through various initiatives. For example, supporters can participate in the "Super 6" competition, which offers a chance to win a £1 million prize pool.
Entry to this promotion is free, encouraging broader participation and adding an extra layer of excitement for the football‑loving public. In summary, the fourth‑round draw has delivered a compelling slate of fixtures that blend high‑profile clashes with classic underdog narratives. Liverpool's upcoming match against Chelsea will be a focal point, especially given Xabi Alonso's personal connection to Anfield and his recent appointment as Chelsea's manager. Meanwhile, Arsenal's encounter with Fleetwood Town continues the tradition of giant‑killing possibilities that make cup competitions so enthralling.
As the week of 26 October approaches, fans can look forward to a series of intense, knockout‑style games that will shape the remainder of the Carabao Cup season.