Liverpool to host Chelsea in cup clash as fourth-round draw is revealed
London, 17 September 2026
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will return to Anfield for the first time, while Premier League champions Arsenal travel to League Two Fleetwood Town in October.
Alonso’s Anfield Return
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has set up a spectacular heavyweight encounter, with Liverpool scheduled to host Chelsea at Anfield [2]. This fixture carries immense narrative weight as Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso prepares to return to his former home for the first time since taking the helm at Stamford Bridge [2]. Alonso, who famously won the Champions League as a player with Liverpool, was heavily linked with succeeding Arne Slot at Anfield before ultimately choosing to join Chelsea [2]. The Reds secured their progression to the last 16 by defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 [2], while Chelsea advanced after overcoming Leeds United in their previous cup fixture [2].
A David-and-Goliath Clash for the Champions
In stark contrast to the all-Premier League blockbuster at Anfield, reigning Premier League champions Arsenal face a classic cup test as they travel to face League Two outfit Fleetwood Town [2]. Fleetwood, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, earned their dream fixture by pulling off a major upset, defeating Championship side Sheffield United 1-0 on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 [1][2]. This remarkable achievement ensures that Fleetwood will host one of English football’s elite teams during the week commencing 26 October 2026, when the fourth-round matches are scheduled to be played [2].
Drama at Old Trafford and the Remaining Ties
The road to the fourth round also delivered immense drama at Old Trafford, where Brighton and Hove Albion staged a sensational comeback to defeat Manchester United 3-2 on 16 September 2026 [1][2]. Despite conceding two early goals, Brighton rallied to control the match, prompting manager Fabian Hurzeler to praise his team’s structural resilience and eventual dominance [1]. Player of the Match Pascal Gross acknowledged a slow start but lauded teammate Jason Steele for an “unbelievable” late save that secured the victory [1]. Brighton’s reward is a potential home tie against Manchester City, contingent on City’s third-round fixture against Norwich City on Thursday, 17 September 2026 [1][2]. Elsewhere in the draw, Everton host Newcastle United after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 [1][2], while Bournemouth welcome Aston Villa, who advanced after a 3-1 win over Coventry City [1][2]. Additionally, Sunderland will play Brentford, Fulham face Crystal Palace, and a League One representative is guaranteed in the quarter-finals as Bradford City host Peterborough United [2].
Global Passion in Community Hubs
The excitement of the draw extends far beyond the borders of the United Kingdom, sparking intense anticipation in unexpected corners of the globe [GPT]. In the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps in Kenya, football fans are already gearing up for these high-stakes October clashes [GPT]. Community viewing halls, which serve as vital social hubs, are expected to be packed to capacity with passionate supporters of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal [GPT]. For these communities, football represents more than just a game; it is a powerful vehicle for cooperation, shared joy, and local solidarity, bringing people together to celebrate the beautiful game [GPT].