The highly anticipated draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup took place on Wednesday night, producing several thrilling matchups. The standout fixture sees Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur hosting reigning champions Manchester City in a clash that promises high stakes and entertainment. Both teams are among the favorites to win the Carabao Cup , but only one will proceed to the quarter-finals, ensuring the competition loses a significant contender early on.
Elsewhere in the draw, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal all face tough tests against Premier League and Championship opposition. United will host Leicester City, while Liverpool travels to Brighton in an all-Premier League affair. Arsenal, fresh off a commanding 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers, will play away to Championship side Preston North End, aiming to continue their impressive Carabao cup form.
Premier League Powerhouses Dominate Carabao CupThird-Round Fixtures
The third round of the Carabao Cup saw several Premier League teams display their dominance as they secured their places in the next stage of the competition. On Tuesday, Chelsea cruised past League Two side Barrow with a resounding 5-0 victory, thanks to a hat-trick from Christopher Nkunku. Meanwhile, Manchester City had a tougher time against Watford but managed to scrape through with a narrow win, and Leicester City required penalties to overcome a resilient Walsall.
Wednesday’s fixtures were just as eventful, with both Liverpool and Arsenal breezing through with 5-1 wins against West Ham and Bolton, respectively. These commanding performances from Premier League favorites set the tone for what promises to be an exciting fourth round, with several top-flight teams still vying for the Carabao cup. Aston Villa also joined the party with a solid win over Wycombe, while Manchester United showed no mercy against Barnsley, hammering them 7-0 in one of the most one-sided matches of the round.
Ties to Watch: Tottenham vs. Manchester City Leads the Pack
Looking ahead to the Carabao cup fourth round, all eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Spurs will face Manchester City in what is arguably the pick of the ties. City, the reigning Premier League champions, will be eager to assert their dominance, but Tottenham has shown promise under new management and will be aiming for a Carabao cup run to boost their season. With both teams boasting strong squads and attacking talent, this fixture could deliver one of the most memorable matches of the competition.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s clash with Leicester City also promises excitement as Erik ten Hag’s side looks to continue their pursuit of silverware after a successful European outing. Additionally, Liverpool’s visit to Brighton will be another fascinating contest between two top-flight sides, both known for their high-pressing, attacking styles. The fourth round kicks off in the week commencing October 28, with fans eagerly anticipating which teams will progress to the quarter-finals. Championship Teams and Lower Leagues Vie for Upsets
Three Championship sides remain in the Carabao cup competition: Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Preston North End. Sheffield Wednesday face a tough away fixture against Premier League side Brentford, while Stoke will travel to Southampton for what is set to be an intriguing battle. Preston North End, meanwhile, will host Arsenal at Deepdale, where they will hope to cause an upset against one of the Premier League’s top contenders.
The fourth round also features a fixture yet to be decided, as AFC Wimbledon’s postponed third-round tie against Newcastle United will determine who faces Chelsea. The match, originally delayed due to flooding at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium, will now take place on 1 October at St James’ Park. The winner of this tie will earn a coveted home clash with Chelsea, who have been in strong form under Enzo Marasca . For Wimbledon, the lowest-ranked club still in the competition, a potential match against Chelsea would represent a monumental achievement in their cup journey.
