Liverpool have been drawn to meet 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 latter produced a surprise victory over Sheffield United in the previous round. The upcoming Liverpool‑Chelsea tie will mark a significant moment for Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, who will make his first appearance at Anfield in a coaching capacity.
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who lifted the Champions League trophy with the Reds in 2019, was heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Liverpool earlier this season. Instead, he opted to embark on his managerial career at Stamford Bridge after a successful spell as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to a Bundesliga title and deep runs in European competition.
His debut at Anfield comes just days after Chelsea secured a 2‑1 win over Leeds United, while Liverpool themselves progressed past Tottenham Hotspur in a tightly contested match on Tuesday. The fixture is part of a broader pattern this season in which the Carabao Cup is featuring a series of all‑Premier League duels. In total, six ties will see clubs from the top flight face each other, underscoring the tournament’s growing prestige and the willingness of elite teams to field strong line‑ups. Manchester City, for example, will host Brighton & Hove Albion after their own victory over Norwich City.
Brighton’s path to the fourth round was dramatic; they staged a remarkable comeback against Manchester United, overturning a two‑goal deficit to win 3‑2 and secure a place in the next stage. This set of fixtures highlights the unpredictable nature of knockout football, where even the most dominant clubs can be challenged by determined opponents.
Meanwhile, in the lower leagues, Fleetwood Town have earned the right to travel to the Emirates Stadium after pulling off a stunning upset against Championship side Sheffield United at their Highbury Stadium home ground. The League Two side’s triumph has captured the imagination of neutral fans, illustrating the magic of cup competitions where underdogs can topple teams from higher divisions. Fleetwood’s journey will now pit them against Arsenal, a club that has enjoyed a dominant season in the Premier League and will be looking to add another trophy to their cabinet. Other fourth‑round match‑ups confirmed by the draw include Everton hosting Newcastle United, Brentford travelling to Sunderland, Fulham taking on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage, and Bournemouth welcoming Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium.
These fixtures complete a diverse slate of games that will be played during the week commencing 26 October, offering fans across the country a full weekend of football action. The draw also guarantees that a League One side will still be represented in the quarter‑finals. Bradford City, who have navigated past higher‑ranked opposition, will host Peterborough United, ensuring that the competition retains its inclusive character and provides opportunities for clubs outside the top flight to compete on a national stage.
Looking ahead, the fourth round of the Carabao Cup promises to deliver a blend of high‑stakes drama, managerial narratives, and the classic underdog stories that have defined the tournament since its inception. Liverpool’s fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter against a Chelsea side eager to prove themselves under Alonso’s stewardship, while Arsenal will aim to assert their superiority over a scrappy Fleetwood side that has already demonstrated a capacity for giant‑killing. Beyond the on‑field action, the competition continues to engage supporters through interactive promotions.
Fans are invited to take part in the “Super 6” sweepstakes, a free‑entry contest that offers a chance to win a £1 million prize. Such initiatives aim to enhance the fan experience and maintain interest throughout the tournament’s various stages. In summary, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round is set to showcase a mixture of elite Premier League battles, surprising lower‑league performances, and compelling storylines that will keep football enthusiasts glued to their screens.
Whether it’s the tactical showdown between Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea and Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool, or Arsenal’s quest to add another trophy to their impressive season tally, the upcoming fixtures promise excitement, intrigue, and the ever‑present possibility of a cup upset.