Published : 17 Sep 2026, 04:24 PM
Updated : 17 Sep 2026, 04:24 PM
Xabi Alonso is heading back to Anfield — this time in the Chelsea dugout.
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw paired Liverpool with Chelsea, setting up a return to familiar surroundings for the Spaniard who spent five years on Merseyside as a player.
Alonso made 210 appearances for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, scoring 19 goals and helping the club win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup.
He also scored the equaliser in Liverpool's famous comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, converting the rebound after his penalty was saved.
Now the former Anfield favourite will return as an opposition manager when Chelsea visit Liverpool in one of the standout ties of the last 16.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are going back to Highbury, although not quite the one their supporters remember.
The Premier League champions will travel to League Two Fleetwood Town, whose home is Highbury Stadium.
Arsenal left their own famous Highbury ground in north London for the Emirates Stadium in 2006, making this an unusual return to the name 20 years later.
Fleetwood are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition after reaching the fourth round for the first time with a 1-0 win over Championship club Sheffield United.
Elsewhere, Everton will host Newcastle, Sunderland face Brentford and Fulham take on Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth were drawn at home to Aston Villa, while Bradford City will host Peterborough United.
Brighton, fresh from their dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Manchester United, will travel to either Manchester City or Norwich City, whose third-round tie is still to be played.
The fourth-round matches are scheduled for the week beginning Oct 26.
The draw in full:
Fleetwood Town v Arsenal
Manchester City or Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Everton v Newcastle United
Sunderland v Brentford
Liverpool v Chelsea
Bradford City v Peterborough United
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
