🛠️ Technical Area
Sunderland get a proper test in round four, which means Brentford will probably still find a way through because they're built different.  •  Bayern and PSG circling JJ Gabriel is either the biggest compliment to United's academy or the clearest sign he needs to actually play football somewhere.  •  Brighton eliminating United in a cup run they'll forget about by Christmas while United fans debate whether it matters—it doesn't, but it will anyway.  •  Liverpool chasing Estevao to sabotage Chelsea's summer is the kind of spite deal that either wins trophies or becomes an expensive lesson in wanting things for the wrong reasons.  •  Wolves versus Bolton should be a formality dressed up as a cup tie, which is exactly when things get weird.
EPL

Liverpool vs Chelsea Carabao Cup Draw: Fourth-Round Tie Confirmed at Anfield

By WAF News Desk 3 min read
Share:
Carabao Cup · Fourth Round

Liverpool vs Chelsea

Anfield · Week commencing October 26, 2026

Liverpool will host Chelsea at Anfield in the fourth round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup after the draw produced one of the standout ties of the last 16.

The English Football League confirmed the fourth-round draw on September 16, pairing the two Premier League heavyweights after Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 and Chelsea secured their place with a 6-3 victory over Leeds United.

The tie also creates a major storyline for Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, who is set to return to Anfield to face the club where he enjoyed one of the defining periods of his playing career.

When will Liverpool vs Chelsea be played?

The EFL has confirmed that fourth-round Carabao Cup ties will be played in the week commencing Monday, October 26.

An exact date and kick-off time for Liverpool vs Chelsea have not yet been announced. Liverpool were drawn first, meaning the tie is scheduled to take place at Anfield.

The fixture will arrive during a demanding part of the season for both clubs, with domestic league commitments and European football placing additional pressure on squad depth.

Xabi Alonso set for Anfield return

Alonso’s return gives the fixture an obvious extra edge. The Spaniard was a hugely popular figure during his time as a Liverpool midfielder and was part of the side that won the Champions League in Istanbul in 2005.

He will now return in the opposition dugout with Chelsea, turning an already significant cup tie into one of the most closely watched matches of the round.

Chelsea reached the last 16 in spectacular fashion, scoring six times against Leeds. Liverpool booked their place by defeating Tottenham 3-1, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai scoring for the Reds.

Carabao Cup fourth-round draw in full

The confirmed fourth-round draw is:

  • Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
  • Manchester City or 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

The Manchester City or Norwich City place remains unresolved until their third-round tie is completed.

Why Liverpool vs Chelsea is the tie of the round

The draw contains several all-Premier League contests, but Liverpool against Chelsea is the clear headline fixture. Both clubs have realistic ambitions of winning the competition, while the Alonso storyline gives the match significance beyond simply reaching the quarter-finals.

Home advantage could be important for Liverpool, but the one-match knockout format leaves little margin for error. Rotation will also be a major factor when the fixture arrives in late October.

Further details, including the confirmed match date, kick-off time and broadcast arrangements, are expected to be announced closer to the fixture.

More Like This