The latest Carabao Cup draw has set up an exciting fourth‑round encounter at Anfield, with Liverpool slated to welcome Chelsea. The match will see the Reds take on the Blues in what promises to be a high‑stakes clash, while the reigning Premier League champions, Arsenal, have been paired with the competition's lowest‑ranked survivor, Fleetwood Town. Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, will experience his inaugural return to Anfield in a managerial capacity after guiding his side to a victory over Leeds United in the previous round. This will be Alonso’s first appearance at Liverpool’s historic ground since he left his playing duties, during which he lifted the Champions League trophy as a Liverpool midfielder.
Although his name was linked with the vacant managerial position at Liverpool after the departure of Arne Slot, Alonso ultimately chose to embark on his coaching career at Stamford Bridge. The fixture adds another Premier League showdown to an already packed schedule of all‑top‑flight ties in this stage of the tournament.
Manchester City, after dispatching Norwich City, will host Brighton & Hove Albion, who famously staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester United in the previous round. In total, six matches in the fourth round will feature two Premier League sides facing each other, underscoring the competition’s growing prestige. On the other side of the draw, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal at Highbury Stadium.
Fleetwood earned their place in this round after a surprising upset over Championship outfit Sheffield United in the third round, a result that has captured the imagination of neutral fans. The Gunners, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their dominance in the cup and add another trophy to their cabinet.
Other fixtures confirmed for the round include Everton traveling to Newcastle United, Brentford heading north to face Sunderland, and Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at the iconic Craven Cottage. Bournemouth will welcome Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium, setting up another intriguing Premier League face‑off. One of the more notable storylines is the presence of a League One club in the quarter‑finals. Bradford City will host Peterborough United after both teams progressed from this round, guaranteeing that lower‑division football will still have representation as the competition narrows.
The fourth‑round matches are scheduled for the week beginning 26 October, providing fans with a full slate of midweek football that will test squad depth and managerial tactics across the country. The Carabao Cup continues to be a platform where young players can showcase their abilities, while established stars have the opportunity to add silverware to their résumés. In summary, the draw has produced the following match‑ups for the upcoming 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 These fixtures promise a blend of high‑intensity Premier League battles and the classic underdog narratives that make cup competitions so compelling.
Fans can also take part in the Super 6 promotion, offering a chance to win £1 million with free entry, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament’s progression. As the teams prepare for their respective ties, the focus will be on squad rotation, tactical adjustments, and the inevitable quest for a place in the quarter‑finals. For Liverpool, the challenge will be to balance their domestic league ambitions with the desire to advance in the cup under new manager Jurgen Klopp’s guidance. Chelsea, under Alonso, will aim to make an immediate impact and demonstrate that their new leadership can deliver results against one of England’s most storied clubs.
Overall, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round offers a compelling mix of established powerhouses, ambitious newcomers, and the ever‑present possibility of surprise outcomes, ensuring that the competition remains one of the most eagerly watched events on the English football calendar.