Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool all learn next opponents
Liverpool and Chelsea headline a dramatic fourth-round draw, while Arsenal face a trip to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea headline Carabao Cup fourth-round matchups
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has set up a marquee clash between Liverpool and Chelsea, with the Premier League rivals set to meet at Anfield. The tie marks former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso’s return to Merseyside as manager of Chelsea. Both teams advanced to the round after decisive victories: Liverpool defeated Tottenham 3-1, while Chelsea secured a 6-3 win over Leeds United in a high-scoring third-round encounter.
Arsenal, last season’s finalists, face a trip to League Two side Fleetwood Town, who stunned Sheffield United 1-0 to reach the fourth round. Fleetwood’s inclusion as the lowest-ranked remaining team adds an underdog narrative, with their Highbury Stadium hosting the Gunners. The draw also sees Everton host Newcastle United, a rematch of the 2024-25 Carabao Cup final, while Sunderland face Brentford in another Premier League clash.
Manchester United’s shock exit sparks wildcard entries
Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton in the third round has reshaped the fourth-round landscape. The Seagulls, who came from 2-0 down, will face the winner of the Manchester City vs. Norwich City third-round tie, which is set to conclude on Thursday. This creates a potential all-Premier League matchup for Brighton, though the outcome hinges on City’s performance against the Championship side.
The Red Devils’ exit also highlights the unpredictability of the competition. Other notable results include Everton’s 1-0 victory over Wolves and Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Coventry City, ensuring multiple Premier League teams remain in the hunt. Meanwhile, lower-league sides like Fleetwood and Bradford City continue their runs, with the latter set to face League One rivals Peterborough in a non-Premier League tie.
| Fourth-Round Matchups | Teams |
|---|---|
| Liverpool vs. Chelsea | Premier League clash at Anfield |
| Arsenal vs. Fleetwood Town | League Two side faces Premier League champions |
| Everton vs. Newcastle United | 2024-25 final rematch |
| Sunderland vs. Brentford | Premier League confrontation |
| Bradford City vs. Peterborough | League One derby |
| Man City/Norwich vs. Brighton | Wildcard entry for Seagulls |
Timeline and next steps for the Carabao Cup
The fourth-round matches are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October 2026, with the semi-finals set for 11 January and 1 February 2027. The final will take place on 21 March 2027. Teams like Manchester City face a critical test against Norwich City, as a victory would secure their place in the last 16 and a potential clash with Brighton.
The draw also includes lower-league representatives, with Fleetwood Town and Bradford City serving as the competition’s lowest-ranked entrants. Their presence underscores the Carabao Cup’s tradition of producing shocks, though Premier League dominance remains evident, with 12 top-flight teams in the fourth round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are facing each other in the Carabao Cup fourth round?
The fourth-round matchups include Liverpool vs. Chelsea, Arsenal vs. Fleetwood Town, Everton vs. Newcastle United, Sunderland vs. Brentford, and Bradford City vs. Peterborough. Manchester City or Norwich City will face Brighton, depending on the outcome of their third-round tie.
Why is Fleetwood Town significant in this draw?
Fleetwood Town, a League Two side, is the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition after defeating Sheffield United. Their clash with Arsenal adds an underdog storyline, as they aim to continue their historic run in the tournament.
When are the fourth-round matches scheduled?
All fourth-round matches will be played in the week commencing 26 October 2026. The semi-finals are set for 11 January and 1 February 2027, with the final on 21 March 2027.
The Carabao Cup’s fourth round promises thrilling encounters, with Premier League giants and lower-league minnows vying for a place in the semi-finals. As Manchester City prepares to face Norwich City, the outcome of that tie will determine Brighton’s next opponent, while Arsenal’s clash with Fleetwood Town highlights the competition’s capacity for surprise. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, with Wembley looming as the ultimate prize.
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