Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw: Liverpool Face Chelsea as Arsenal Get Fleetwood Test

The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has produced a series of intriguing ties, with Liverpool handed a home clash against Chelsea and Premier League champions Arsenal drawn away to League Two side Fleetwood Town.

The last-16 draw was completed on Wednesday night following Brighton's dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The fourth-round ties will be played during the week commencing 26 October 2026.

Liverpool and Chelsea Set for Anfield Showdown

The standout fixture of the draw will see Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield.

It will also give Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso an emotional return to his former club.

Alonso made 210 appearances for Liverpool during his playing career and won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005. He will now return to Merseyside as Chelsea manager for a competitive cup tie.

Liverpool reached the fourth round after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3–1, while Chelsea booked their place with a 6–3 victory over Leeds United.

With both clubs possessing strong ambitions in the competition, their meeting is already one of the most anticipated ties of the round.

Arsenal Handed Fleetwood Trip

Arsenal have been drawn away to Fleetwood Town, the lowest-ranked club remaining in the competition.

Fleetwood secured their place in the last 16 by producing a memorable 1–0 victory over Sheffield United.

Arsenal, meanwhile, defeated Ipswich Town 4–2 in the third round, with Max Dowman scoring twice alongside goals from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino.

The tie will give Fleetwood the opportunity to welcome the reigning Premier League champions in what promises to be a major occasion for the League Two club.

Brighton Could Face Manchester City

Brighton's reward for their remarkable elimination of Manchester United could be another Manchester trip.

The Seagulls have been drawn against Manchester City or Norwich City.

Manchester City are due to host Norwich in the final third-round fixture on Thursday. If City progress, Brighton will travel to the Etihad Stadium.

Brighton's comeback against United has already given them one of the biggest stories of the competition, and a meeting with the defending champions would provide another significant test.

Five More Premier League Battles

The draw has also produced several all-Premier League encounters.

Everton will host Newcastle, while Sunderland face Brentford.

There will also be a London derby between Fulham and Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth welcome Aston Villa.

The latter fixtures guarantee plenty of top-flight competition in the last 16, with teams now just two victories away from reaching the semi-finals.

Bradford and Peterborough Guarantee Lower-League Quarter-Finalist

One of the most interesting ties will see Bradford City host Peterborough United.

Both clubs have reached the fourth round after impressive cup runs, meaning a League One team is guaranteed to reach the quarter-finals.

Bradford defeated Leyton Orient 3–1, while Peterborough eliminated Barnsley on penalties after a 3–3 draw.

Their meeting provides a different dynamic from the all-Premier League clashes and guarantees a lower-league presence in the next stage.

Full Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw

●Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal

●Manchester City/Norwich City vs Brighton

●Everton vs Newcastle United

●Sunderland vs Brentford

●Liverpool vs Chelsea

●Bradford City vs Peterborough United

●Fulham vs Crystal Palace

●Bournemouth vs Aston Villa

All fourth-round ties are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October 2026.

With Manchester City still needing to complete their third-round fixture, one place in the draw remains dependent on Thursday's result.

But the headline is already clear: Liverpool vs Chelsea has emerged as the blockbuster tie, while Fleetwood have been handed a dream night against Arsenal.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Which fourth-round tie are you most excited for?

🔥 Fire: Liverpool vs Chelsea at Anfield.

😲 Shock: Fleetwood Town drawing Arsenal.

👍 Like: Bradford vs Peterborough guaranteeing a League One quarter-finalist.

💬 Comment: Which team has the toughest fourth-round tie?