Liverpool have been drawn to play Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, a fixture that promises a high‑profile clash between two of England's most storied clubs. The draw also saw Premier League champions Arsenal paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town, after the League Two outfit pulled off a shock victory over Sheffield United in the previous round. The upcoming Liverpool‑Chelsea tie will mark a significant moment for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his first return to Anfield as a head coach.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds in 2019, guided Chelsea to a win over Leeds United last week, securing their progression to this stage. Meanwhile, Liverpool earned their place by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, showcasing a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership under their own manager.
Alonso’s journey to the managerial hot seat at Chelsea has been closely watched. After a distinguished playing career that included a Champions League triumph with Liverpool, he was linked with several top‑flight jobs, including a rumored move to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool. Instead, he opted to take charge of Chelsea, a decision that adds an extra layer of intrigue to his first Anfield appearance. Fans will be eager to see how his tactical ideas, shaped by his time under the tutelage of managers like Zinedine Zidane and Julian Nagelsmann, translate against his former club.
Chelsea’s away fixture at Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League matchups scheduled for this round of the Carabao Cup. The other fixtures include Manchester City hosting Brighton after the Citizens overcame Norwich City, a result that set up a home tie against a Brighton side that famously staged a dramatic comeback to beat Manchester United in the league. The full list of fourth‑round pairings is as follows: - Liverpool vs Chelsea (Anfield) - Manchester City vs Brighton (Etihad Stadium) - Sunderland vs Brentford (Stadium of Light) - Bradford City vs Peterborough United (Valley Parade) - Fulham vs Crystal Palace (Craven Cottage) - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa (Vitality Stadium) In the lower divisions, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after their impressive upset over Sheffield United. Fleetwood’s victory was a classic cup story, as they knocked out a higher‑ranked Championship team on their own turf, earning the right to challenge the league champions in what will be a daunting but exciting encounter for the Seaside club.
Other notable ties include Everton hosting Newcastle United, Brentford travelling to Sunderland, Fulham meeting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa. The quarter‑finals will also feature a League One presence, with Bradford City set to host Peterborough United, ensuring that clubs from outside the top flight continue to have a chance of progressing deep into the tournament. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled for the week commencing 26 October, with matches spread across the weekend to accommodate broadcasting and fan attendance.
This round often produces memorable moments, as clubs balance the desire to advance in the cup with the demands of their league campaigns. For managers like Xabi Alonso, it offers an early test of squad depth and tactical flexibility, while for Liverpool, it provides an opportunity to gauge their form against a strong Chelsea side before the intensity of the Premier League ramps up. Beyond the on‑field action, the competition also includes a promotional element: fans can enter the "Super 6" draw for a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available free of charge.
This initiative adds an extra layer of excitement for supporters who follow the tournament closely. Overall, the Carabao Cup fourth‑round draw has set the stage for several intriguing matchups, blending top‑tier clashes with classic underdog narratives. Liverpool’s encounter with Chelsea will be a focal point, especially given Alonso’s personal connection to the club and his ambition to make a strong impression in his first Anfield visit as a manager.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s tie with Fleetwood Town underscores the magic of cup football, where lower‑league teams can test themselves against the best in the country. Fans can look forward to a week of competitive fixtures, dramatic storylines, and the ever‑present possibility of upsets as the tournament moves closer to its latter stages.