The English League Cup fourth round draw has set up a notable clash between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. This match also marks Xabi Alonso's return to the stadium where he once played, now as Chelsea's head coach.

Liverpool secured their spot in the fourth round after defeating Tottenham 3-1 on 15/9. A day prior, Chelsea advanced by overcoming Leeds.

Dominik Szoboszlai missed a chance during Liverpool's English League Cup third round match against Tottenham at Anfield, Liverpool, England, on 15/9. Photo: AP

Alonso played for Liverpool from 2004-2009 and was part of the squad that won the Champions League in 2005. The Spanish coach was once a candidate to replace Arne Slot but ultimately accepted the role to manage Chelsea.

Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, received an easier draw, facing League Two (England's fourth tier) side Fleetwood away. Fleetwood reached the fourth round of the League Cup for the first time after a surprising 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the third round.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 to secure their spot. Mikel Arteta's team is expected to advance easily to the quarterfinals, potentially even using a rotated squad.

Another fixture guarantees a League One (England's third tier) representative in the quarterfinals. Bradford will host Peterborough after both teams defeated Leyton Orient and Barnsley, respectively, in the third round. This is the only fourth-round tie without a Premier League club.

The remaining four fixtures are all contests between Premier League teams. Everton will host Newcastle, Sunderland faces Brentford, Fulham takes on Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth plays at home against Aston Villa.

Manchester City's opponent is yet to be determined. The reigning League Cup holders will host Brighton at the Etihad if they overcome Norwich in their postponed third-round match on the evening of 17/9.

Brighton made an impression in the third round by coming from behind to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford. Their reward could be another trip to Manchester.

The English League Cup fourth round will take place in the week commencing 26/10. Manchester City are the reigning champions, having beaten Arsenal 2-0 in the final in March 2026.

The 8 English League Cup fourth round fixtures are:

Fleetwood - Arsenal

Manchester City or Norwich - Brighton

Everton - Newcastle

Sunderland - Brentford

Liverpool - Chelsea

Bradford - Peterborough

Fulham - Crystal Palace

Bournemouth - Aston Villa

Hoang An