EPL

Carabao Cup: Arsenal learn next rivals, Chelsea to face Liverpool in fourth round

Joel Masibo 17th September, 2026 09:21 AM

Arsenal have been handed an away tie against Fleetwood Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The draw, released on Thursday, September 17, 2026, pits the Gunners against the League One side as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware.

Fleetwood secured their place in the fourth round after progressing through the earlier stages of the competition, while Arsenal will now have to negotiate a potentially tricky trip against lower-league opposition after beating Ipswich Town 4-2 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The meeting presents Arsenal with another opportunity to rotate their squad and give minutes to players who have had limited playing time during the early stages of the campaign.

Manchester United's wonderkid Shea Lacey scores against Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/manchesterunited/photos — Manchester United’s wonderkid Shea Lacey scores against Brighton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/manchesterunited/photos

Several Premier League heavyweights have also been handed intriguing ties.

After stunning Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Brighton & Hove Albion will face Manchester City or Norwich City.

United surrendered a two-goal advantage before eventually losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, September 16, 2026.

The hosts appeared to be in complete control after Shea Lacey scored his first senior goal for the club, before Mason Mount added another two minutes later. However, Brighton gradually turned the contest around.

Elsewhere, Everton have been drawn against Newcastle United. Sunderland will host Brentford in another all-English top-flight clash.

Liverpool face Chelsea in one of the standout fixtures of the round, guaranteeing that one Premier League contender will exit the competition before the quarter-finals.

Bradford City will take on Peterborough United, Fulham have been paired with Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth will host Aston Villa.

The fourth-round draw is therefore set to produce several competitive encounters, with the Liverpool-Chelsea fixture attracting particular attention because of the calibre of the two sides.

For Arsenal, the visit to Fleetwood represents a different challenge from their Premier League schedule. The Gunners will be expected to handle the occasion professionally as they look to maintain their hopes of lifting the Carabao Cup.