Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield for the fourth‑round tie of the Caraboo Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will meet the competition's lowest‑ranked survivor, Fleetwood Town, in the next round. The fixture marks a significant moment for Chelsea’s new manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his inaugural appearance at Anfield as the club’s head coach. Alonso’s side secured a victory over Leeds United in the previous round, and Liverpool advanced past Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high‑profile showdown at Liverpool’s historic ground. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds during a distinguished playing career, was widely linked with the vacant managerial position at Liverpool earlier this season.
Although many speculated that he might replace Arne Slot, he ultimately chose to embark on his managerial journey at Stamford Bridge, bringing a blend of tactical acumen and a deep personal connection to the club he now leads. Chelsea’s trip to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League fixtures remaining in the competition after Manchester City’s 2‑0 win over Norwich City on Thursday, which set up a home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton earned the right to face City after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester United, a result that has added further intrigue to this season’s cup run. In the lower divisions, League Two side Fleetwood Town will host Arsenal after pulling off a surprise upset against Championship outfit Sheffield United in the third round.
Fleetwood’s victory over a higher‑ranked opponent underscores the unpredictable nature of the Carabao Cup, where smaller clubs often relish the chance to test themselves against the nation’s elite. Other notable fourth‑round matchups 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 the Dean Court.
These fixtures showcase a blend of traditional rivalries and fresh encounters, promising a week of compelling football across the country. The competition will also see a League One side progress to the quarter‑finals, with Bradford City set to host Peterborough United. Bradford’s presence in the later stages highlights the depth and competitiveness of the tournament, offering clubs outside the top flight a realistic pathway to a deep cup run.
The fourth‑round fixtures are scheduled for the week beginning 26 October, with each match providing clubs an opportunity to rotate squads, experiment with tactics, and potentially secure a coveted place in the semi‑finals. Below is a concise list of the confirmed fourth‑round pairings: - Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion - Sunderland vs Brentford - Bradford City vs Peter Parker (Peterborough United) - Fulham vs Crystal Palace - Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Fans are also invited to participate in the “Super 6” promotion, offering a chance to win a £1 million prize. Entry to the competition is free, encouraging widespread participation and adding an extra layer of excitement to the cup’s already thrilling narrative.
As the tournament progresses, the Caraboo Cup continues to deliver memorable moments, from giant‑killing upsets to marquee clashes between England’s footballing powerhouses. Liverpool’s upcoming encounter with Chelsea promises to be a showcase of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the storied rivalry that has defined many classic English cup ties. Whether you are a supporter of the Reds, the Blues, or any of the other clubs involved, the fourth round offers a compelling mix of drama, ambition, and the ever‑present possibility of an underdog story.
The anticipation builds as teams prepare for the decisive matches that will shape the remainder of the competition, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the semi‑finals and, eventually, lifting the Caraboo Cup trophy.