Liverpool to face Chelsea in blockbuster Xabi Alonso homecoming as Arsenal travel to League Two minnows and Everton host Newcastle: CARABAO CUP FOURTH-ROUND DRAW

Liverpool will entertain Chelsea in a blockbuster all-Premier League encounter in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The clash, the pick of the ties in Wednesday's draw, will see former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso return to Anfield for the first time since taking over at Stamford Bridge. 

Elsewhere, Arsenal will travel to League Two side Fleetwood Town, who are in the fourth round for the first time in their history after beating Sheffield United 1-0.

Fleetwood are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition and play at the aptly-named Highbury Stadium. 

The Gunners, last season's beaten finalists, thumped Ipswich 4-2 on Tuesday night. 

Holders Manchester City play their third round tie against Norwich City on Thursday, and the victor of that match is set to entertain Brighton.

Sunderland were drawn at home to Brentford in one of several encounters between top flight clubs, while Crystal Palace were rewarded for beating Middlesbrough last week with an away game at Fulham.

Everton, searching for their first major trophy since 1995, will play Newcastle, who won the Carabao Cup in 2024-25, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Bournemouth have been handed a home tie against Aston Villa after Unai Emery's side picked up their first domestic victory of the season at Coventry on Wednesday via a 3-1 triumph.

Bradford City and Peterborough are the only two League One representatives still in the competition and they have been drawn against each other, with the Bantams set to host that game. 

The fourth round matches will all be played in the week commencing October 26, rather than being split over two weeks like the third round was.

Everton, Fleetwood, Villa and Brighton were all winners on Wednesday night, with the Seagulls coming from 2-0 down to beat Man United 3-2 at Old Trafford in the biggest shock of the round.