Liverpool have been handed a difficult assignment in the fourth round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup after being drawn at home against fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
The draw, conducted after the completion of Wednesday’s third-round fixtures, confirmed that the two clubs will meet at Anfield in one of the most eye-catching ties of the round. The fourth-round matches are scheduled to take place during the week commencing October 26, 2026.
Liverpool reached the last 16 after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in their opening match of this season’s competition. Chelsea, meanwhile, booked their place in the fourth round after victories over Luton Town and Leeds United.
The meeting will also bring Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso back to Anfield.
Alonso enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Liverpool, making more than 200 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2009. His return will add another storyline to an already high-profile cup tie, particularly given his strong connection with the Merseyside club.
The fixture will be played at a stage of the competition when Premier League sides begin facing increasingly difficult tests. With only eight teams advancing to the quarter-finals, Liverpool and Chelsea will know that one of the two clubs will have to leave the competition before the last eight.
The fourth-round draw produced several other all-Premier League contests. Everton will host Newcastle United, Sunderland will face Brentford, Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth will take on Aston Villa.
Premier League champions Arsenal have been drawn away to League Two side Fleetwood Town, who reached the fourth round after eliminating Sheffield United.
Brighton & Hove Albion will travel to either Manchester City or Norwich City, depending on the result of their outstanding third-round fixture. Bradford City will also host Peterborough United, guaranteeing that a League One club will reach the quarter-finals.
For Liverpool, attention will first turn back to their Premier League campaign before the Carabao Cup returns. The Reds are scheduled to face Bournemouth on September 20 before the October cup tie against Chelsea.
The Anfield clash promises to be an important test for both teams as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware.
With two Premier League clubs meeting for a place in the quarter-finals, Liverpool versus Chelsea has emerged as one of the headline fixtures of the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Fourth-round draw:
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Everton vs Newcastle United
Sunderland vs Brentford
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Bradford City vs Peterborough United
Manchester City or Norwich City vs Brighton
The ties will be played in the week commencing October 26, 2026.