The 2026/27 Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has delivered several exciting fixtures, with Liverpool set to host Chelsea in a blockbuster encounter, while Arsenal will travel to face League Two side Fleetwood Town.
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw, conducted on Wednesday, September 16, has set up eight ties as clubs across English football continue their pursuit of the prestigious domestic trophy.
With Premier League heavyweights, ambitious lower-league sides and familiar rivals involved, the fourth round promises another compelling chapter in this season’s competition.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Headlines Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw
The standout fixture sees Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield in an eagerly anticipated all-Premier League encounter.
Both clubs have a strong history in the Carabao Cup, making their meeting one of the most closely watched ties of the round.
Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1, while Chelsea advanced following their victory over Leeds United.
The meeting also provides Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso with a return to Anfield, adding another storyline to an already intriguing contest.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both sides will be looking to navigate a challenging fixture and maintain their hopes of lifting the trophy.
Arsenal Draw Fleetwood Town
Arsenal have been drawn away against Fleetwood Town, offering the Premier League side a meeting with lower-league opposition.
Fleetwood secured their place in the fourth round after recording a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, marking a significant achievement for the League Two club.
Arsenal, meanwhile, progressed with a 4-2 win against Ipswich Town.
The tie presents Fleetwood with an opportunity to test themselves against one of English football’s established clubs.
For Arsenal, the challenge will be to avoid an upset and secure progression into the last eight.
Manchester City or Norwich to Face Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion will face either Manchester City or Norwich City in the fourth round.
Manchester City’s third-round match against Norwich is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, meaning Brighton’s opponents will be confirmed after that encounter.
Brighton reached the fourth round following a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The result eliminated United from the competition after they had taken an early two-goal lead.
A potential meeting with Manchester City would provide Brighton with another demanding test, while a clash against Norwich would offer a different challenge.
Everton Draw Newcastle United
Everton will host Newcastle United in another all-Premier League tie.
Everton advanced after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, while Newcastle secured their place with a narrow victory over Millwall.
The meeting gives both teams an opportunity to move closer to the quarter-finals and continue their domestic cup campaigns.
Full Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Fixtures
The complete draw for the 2026/27 Carabao Cup fourth round is:
- Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
- Manchester City or Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Everton vs Newcastle United
- Sunderland vs Brentford
- Liverpool vs Chelsea
- Bradford City vs Peterborough United
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
The eight fixtures will determine which clubs advance to the quarter-finals.
When Will the Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Matches Be Played?
The fourth-round matches are scheduled for the week commencing Monday, October 26, 2026.
Exact kick-off times and broadcast arrangements are expected to be confirmed separately.
Clubs will need to balance their cup commitments with their domestic league schedules and, for teams involved in European competitions, their continental fixtures.
What Happens Next in the Carabao Cup?
The winners of the eight fourth-round ties will progress to the quarter-finals, moving one step closer to the Wembley final.
Manchester City enter the season as defending champions after defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the previous campaign’s final.
With Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa and other established clubs still involved, the competition remains open to several possible storylines.
However, Fleetwood Town and Bradford City will also have opportunities to continue their respective cup journeys and challenge higher-profile opponents.
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has provided supporters with a mixture of heavyweight clashes and potential giant-killing opportunities.
Liverpool against Chelsea stands out as one of the biggest fixtures, while Arsenal’s trip to Fleetwood and Brighton’s upcoming opponents will also attract attention.
As the competition moves towards the quarter-finals, every match will carry greater significance for clubs hoping to lift the trophy.
For official fixtures and competition updates, visit the English Football League website
