Carabao Cup has reached its last-16 stage and the fourth-round draw has resulted in some interesting games. The draw was made on September 16, 2026, after the third round action and will be held for the week starting on October 26.
Liverpool vs Chelsea is the biggest Premier League meeting among the eight ties, and Arsenal have been drawn to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: The Blockbuster Tie.
Liverpool will face Chelsea at Anfield in the top-flight fourth-round game. Also at the heart of the clash will be the return of Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to the club which has already been a top-tier cup match.
Liverpool reached the fourth round after beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 and Chelsea defeated Leeds United 6-3.
Liverpool's attacking players and Chelsea's ability to control the game in midfield will be the key battle. Squad rotation would also be very important as both clubs have long domestic and European matchdays and international competitions in the future.
Arsenal versus Fleetwood Town: Premier League meets League Two
Arsenal will travel to Fleetwood Town, the lowest-ranked team in the competition still in the fourth round. Fleetwood reached the fourth round after a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
For Arsenal, the tie should be a chance to give minutes to squad players and younger members of the team. Fleetwood will face one of the Premier League’s most powerful clubs at home.
The central battle will be Fleetwood’s defensive organization against Arsenal’s possession and attacking movement.
Manchester City or Norwich vs Brighton
Brighton picked up a place in the fourth round after beating Manchester United with a 3-2 comeback win.
They will travel to either Manchester City or Norwich City. City are the champions of the Carabao Cup and were due to complete their third-round tie against Norwich on September 17.
This match could therefore be another test for Brighton against a Premier League opponent, and Manchester City will go out to try to defend their title.
Everton vs Newcastle: Another Premier League fight.
Everton will host Newcastle United after beating Wolves 1-0 in the third round. Newcastle progressed after beating Millwall 1-0.
If both sides have to have both defensive discipline and attack, it will become a physical midfield battle; they are going to need to focus on the defensive discipline and attacking side of the game.
🏆 The Round Four draw!#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/QotDeNonAl
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) September 16, 2026
Other Fourth-Round Fixtures
The remaining ties also provide interesting matchups:
- Sunderland vs Brentford
- Bradford City vs Peterborough United
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
The Bournemouth-Aston Villa match is another all-Premier League match-up and Bradford-Peterborough is a meeting of teams from outside the top flight.
Key Battles to Watch
The fourth round will test squad depth just as much as first-choice talent. Premier League teams will have to decide how much to rotate, but lower-league clubs can use home advantage and the occasion to challenge stronger opposition.
For Liverpool and Chelsea, tactical control and midfield battles could be crucial. Arsenal will have to break down a compact Fleetwood defence, and Brighton come up against another tough test after their comeback against Manchester United.
When will the fourth round take place?
The fourth round is scheduled for the week beginning October 26, 2026. The draw was concluded on September 16 and eight matches have been confirmed.
