Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have been paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked remaining side, Fleetwood Town. This fixture list sets up a series of all‑Premier League match‑ups that promise plenty of excitement for fans across the country. The upcoming tie will mark the first time Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield in a managerial capacity, this time leading Chelsea after his side secured a victory over Leeds United last week.
Liverpool, meanwhile, earned their place in the draw by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, ensuring a high‑profile clash at the historic stadium. Alonso’s connection to Liverpool runs deep.
As a player, he was an integral part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, and his tenure at the club is remembered for its technical brilliance and tactical intelligence. After his successful spell on the pitch, rumors swirled that he might replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, but he ultimately chose to take the helm at Stamford Bridge, embarking on a new chapter in his coaching career.
Chelsea’s journey to Anfield is one of six fixtures this round that feature only Premier League teams. The other matches include Manchester City’s home game against Brighton after City’s 2‑0 win over Norwich City, a result that set up a compelling tie against the Seagulls, who famously staged a dramatic comeback to beat Manchester United in the previous round. These all‑top‑flight encounters underscore the depth of talent still present in the competition. In the lower leagues, 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.
Fleetwood’s victory was a classic cup story, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of knockout football where underdogs can triumph against higher‑ranked opponents. Other fixtures scheduled for the fourth round include Everton taking on Newcastle United at Goodison Park, Brentford travelling to Sunderland, Fulham hosting Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa to Dean Court. These matches round out a busy week of football that will see a mix of historic rivalries and fresh match‑ups.
Looking ahead to the quarter‑final stage, a League One club is still in contention. Bradford City will face Peterborough United, guaranteeing representation from the third tier of English football in the later stages of the tournament.
This inclusion highlights the Carabao Cup’s tradition of giving clubs from across the football pyramid a chance to compete against top‑flight opposition. The fourth round fixtures are slated for the week beginning 26 October, giving teams a short but intense period to prepare for their respective challenges. Fans can expect tightly contested games, tactical battles, and the ever‑present possibility of surprise results that define cup competitions. Below is a quick rundown of the confirmed fourth‑round match‑ups: - 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 (highlight fixture) - Arsenal vs Fleetwood Town - Everton vs Newcastle United - Brentford vs Sunderland (repeated for emphasis) - Fulham vs Crystal Palace (repeated for emphasis) In addition to the on‑field action, the competition continues to engage fans with interactive promotions.
Participants can join the "Super 6" contest for a chance to win a £1 million prize, with entry available at no cost. This initiative aims to keep supporters involved throughout the tournament, adding an extra layer of excitement beyond the matches themselves. Overall, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round promises a blend of high‑stakes Premier League clashes, inspiring underdog narratives, and opportunities for lower‑division clubs to make their mark.
As teams gear up for these decisive games, supporters across the nation will be watching closely, eager to see which clubs advance and who might pull off the next memorable upset in this storied competition.