Liverpool have been drawn to welcome Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will face the competition's lowest‑ranked survivor, Fleetwood Town. The fixture marks a significant moment for Xabi Alonso, who will make his first appearance back at Anfield as the new Chelsea manager. Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds during his playing days, took charge of Chelsea after they defeated Leeds United in the previous round.
Meanwhile, Liverpool earned their place in the tie by overcoming Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. Alonso’s appointment sparked speculation that he might replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, but the Spanish tactician opted for the Chelsea job instead, heading to Stamford Bridge before eventually returning to the Merseyside stadium in a managerial capacity. His return to Anfield is expected to be a poignant moment for both the club and its supporters, given his historic contributions as a player. Chelsea’s journey to Anfield is one of six all‑Premier League encounters slated for this stage of the competition.
The other matches include Manchester City’s clash with Brighton after City’s victory over Norwich City, a tie that follows Brighton’s dramatic comeback win against Manchester United. In addition, Everton will host Newcastle United, Brentford travel to Sunderland, Fulham meet Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcome Aston Villa.
In the lower leagues, League Two side Fleetwood Town have earned a lucrative draw against Arsenal after they stunned Championship outfit Sheffield United in the third round on their home turf. Fleetwood’s upset victory has set up a classic David‑vers‑Goliath scenario for the upcoming round, offering the club a chance to test themselves against the league’s top side.
The draw also guarantees that a League One club will still be represented in the quarter‑finals, as Bradford City will host Peterborough United. This ensures that the competition retains its reputation for producing unexpected match‑ups and giving smaller clubs a platform on a national stage. The fourth‑round fixtures are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October, providing fans with a packed slate of games across the country.
The matches are expected to draw significant attention, not only because of the high‑profile Premier League clashes but also due to the potential for giant‑killing acts from lower‑division teams. Beyond the on‑field action, the Carabao Cup continues to promote fan engagement through its promotional activities. One such initiative is the “Super 6” competition, which offers participants the chance to win a £1 million prize.
Entry to the Super 6 is free, encouraging widespread participation and adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the tournament. In summary, the fourth round of the Carabao Cup promises a blend of marquee Premier League battles and intriguing underdog stories. Liverpool’s Anfield will host a high‑stakes showdown with Chelsea, featuring Xabi Alonso’s first return to the stadium in a managerial role.
Arsenal will travel to Fleetwood Town, presenting a classic upset scenario, while other fixtures such as Manchester City versus Brighton and Everton versus Newcastle round out a compelling schedule. As the competition progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters, potential upsets, and the continued chance to win big through the Super 6 promotion.