Carabao Cup Fourth Round Draw
League Two Side Fleetwood Town to Host Premier League Champions Arsenal in Carabao Cup
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Key Points
1
Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium shares its name with Arsenal’s former iconic home, which the London club left 20 years ago.
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The Liverpool-Chelsea tie is a repeat of the 2022 and 2024 League Cup finals, both of which Liverpool won.
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Brighton’s 3-2 comeback win at Manchester United marked United’s first defeat at Old Trafford after leading by two goals in more than 50 years, since Tottenham’s 3-2 victory in September 1976.
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Fleetwood entered the Sheffield United match unbeaten in its opening eight games in all competitions and had already beaten Chesterfield 1-0 and Shrewsbury Town 4-0 in the cup.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes for the 4-2 win at Ipswich, with 16-year-old Max Dowman scoring twice while Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also scored.
The Carabao Cup fourth round draw produced a headline clash between Liverpool and Chelsea while setting up an intriguing trip to Lancashire for Premier League champions Arsenal. Yahoo Sports reported that Arsenal will face League Two side Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium, the same name as the London club's former home that they left two decades ago. Fleetwood earned their first-ever fourth-round appearance with a 1-0 shock win over Sheffield United, secured by an own goal from Rhys Norrington-Davies.
Arsenal reached the last 16 by thrashing Ipswich Town 4-2, with 16-year-old Max Dowman scoring twice in a statement performance. Football Today noted that manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes for the win, showing the squad's depth. The matches are scheduled for the week beginning October 26, with Everton facing Newcastle United and Sunderland meeting Brentford among the other fixtures.
Fleetwood's Historic Cup Run Ends With Arsenal Test
Fleetwood Town's magical cup journey has reached its ultimate test. Daily Star confirmed that Fleetwood earned their first fourth-round appearance in club history after beating Sheffield United 1-0 on an own goal. The League Two side had previously defeated Chesterfield 1-0 and Shrewsbury Town 4-0 in earlier rounds, arriving unbeaten through eight games in all competitions.
Arsenal, as Premier League champions, are heavy favorites despite Fleetwood's impressive run. The Lancashire club will host the match at Highbury Stadium, a ground that shares its name with Arsenal's iconic former home that the Gunners vacated 20 years ago. It's a small slice of history for a club experiencing their finest cup run to date.
Liverpool-Chelsea Becomes a Final Rematch in the Cup
Liverpool will host Chelsea in a fourth-round tie that echoes recent League Cup history. The two clubs have faced each other in the 2022 and 2024 League Cup finals, with Liverpool winning both encounters. This matchup promises intensity and familiarity, as both teams know exactly what to expect from one another.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a demanding test early in his tenure as the Blues navigate a crowded fixture schedule. Liverpool's advantage in recent cup finals gives them clear confidence going into the tie at Anfield.
Arsenal Shows Squad Depth With Nine Changes at Ipswich
Mikel Arteta demonstrated Arsenal's extensive bench strength by making nine changes for the 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town. The standout performer was 16-year-old Max Dowman, who netted twice in a breakthrough display. Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also scored as Arsenal cruised through their third-round tie with ease.
The win secured Arsenal's place in the last 16 and proved that the club can rotate heavily while maintaining offensive quality. The performance bodes well for their trip to face Fleetwood, suggesting the champions have the talent depth to handle a lower-division opponent comfortably.
Other Fourth Round Pairings Set Up Intriguing Matchups
Beyond the headline ties, the draw produced several other compelling fixtures. Everton will face Newcastle United, while Sunderland meet Brentford. Fulham play Crystal Palace, Bournemouth take on Aston Villa, and Bradford City host Peterborough United. Manchester City will face Brighton if they first defeat Norwich City in an outstanding third-round match.
All fourth-round matches are set for the week beginning October 26, giving clubs just over two weeks to prepare. Brighton's stock has risen considerably after their recent 3-2 comeback at Manchester United, marking United's first defeat at Old Trafford after leading by two goals since Tottenham's 3-2 victory in September 1976.
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