The Carabao Cup draw has delivered a thrilling set of fixtures for the fourth round. Football fans across the globe are buzzing with anticipation. The draw, held on September 24, 2025, has set the stage for epic showdowns, including four all-Premier League battles and a historic all-Welsh derby. Consequently, the week commencing October 27 promises intense knockout football action.
Fourth Round Draw: Giants Clash and History is Made
The results from the Carabao Cup draw have certainly not disappointed. Several high-profile encounters are now locked in, guaranteeing drama for fans in the US, UK, and beyond.
Premier League Heavyweights Collide
The draw has pitted several top-flight teams against each other. For instance, defending champions Newcastle United will face a tough test at home against Tottenham. In addition, Arsenal are set to host Brighton, while Liverpool will welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield. Another compelling tie sees Chelsea travelling to face Wolves. These matchups mean that at least four Premier League teams will be eliminated in this round, which raises the stakes significantly.
A Landmark Welsh Derby
History will be made as Wrexham hosts Cardiff City in a fiery all-Welsh encounter. This is a momentous occasion, as it marks the first time three Welsh teams have reached this stage of the competition. While Swansea faces the daunting task of welcoming Manchester City, the Wrexham vs. Cardiff tie ensures Welsh representation in the quarter-finals.
The Full Fourth Round Draw
- Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
- Arsenal vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea
- Wrexham vs. Cardiff City
- Swansea City vs. Manchester City
- Grimsby Town vs. Brentford
- Wycombe Wanderers vs. Fulham
Grimsby Town, the lowest-ranked team left, will be hoping to cause another upset when they host Premier League side Brentford.
Understanding the Carabao Cup Draw Rules
For those new to the competition or needing a refresher, the process behind the Carabao Cup draw is straightforward but has key rules. It's a knockout tournament for all 92 clubs in the Premier League and English Football League (EFL).
The Competition Structure
The tournament unfolds across seven single-elimination rounds. Here’s how teams enter:
- Round One: Most clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two begin here. The draw is regionalized into ‘northern' and ‘southern' sections to reduce travel.
- Round Two: Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions join the fray.
- Round Three: The top Premier League clubs competing in Europe, such as Manchester City and Arsenal, enter at this stage. You can read more about the EFL's official rules on their official competition page.
Key Rules to Remember
Unlike some cup competitions, the Carabao Cup has a unique approach to drawn matches. If a game is level after 90 minutes in any round up to and including the quarter-finals, it goes straight to a penalty shootout. There is no extra time. This rule helps reduce player fatigue during a packed football calendar. However, extra time is used in the semi-finals (if the aggregate score is tied) and the final before a potential penalty shootout.
What's Next in the Carabao Cup?
Ultimately, the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw has set up a spectacular series of matches. With blockbuster all-Premier League ties, a historic Welsh derby, and potential upsets on the horizon, the road to Wembley is heating up. Fans around the world should mark their calendars for the week of October 27. The battle for the first major domestic trophy of the season is well and truly on. For player perspectives, you might find updates on their official social media channels.
