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Liverpool to play Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea in Carabao Cup fourth round

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is challenged by Chelsea's Malo Gusto (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool will face Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after progressing to the last 16 with a 3-1 win against Tottenham.

For the eighth season in a row, the Reds booked their place in the fourth round of the competition thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

It pits Andoni Iraola’s side against Chelsea after Wednesday’s draw, with the tie to be played at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola will be seeking to become the third successive Liverpool manager to guide his side to the final in his first season at the helm, following on from Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.

Chelsea are now of course managed by former Reds midfielder Alonso, who has overseen four wins, a draw and a loss in his six games in charge so far – including a 6-3 victory over Leeds in the Carabao Cup third round.

Alonso and Iraola were both schooled in the same youth side in Spain, while they played together on four occasions for the national team.

This will be the first time they have met as coaches, though not the first time Alonso has managed against Liverpool – he has lost in both of his previous games with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

When is Liverpool vs. Chelsea in Carabao Cup fourth round?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpools Dominik Szoboszlai scores the third goal during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The fixture will take place on either October 27 or 28, with confirmation to follow at a later date.

It falls between two home Premier League matches against Brighton (Oct 25) and Arsenal (Nov 1), and continues the busy schedule on Liverpool’s return from the international break.

The cup tie is one of eight games in 25 days immediately following the return of club action next month, which will require the depth of Iraola’s squad to navigate.

He embraced changes against Tottenham and will have learned plenty after three games in a week, leaving him to insist: “Adapting to a quick turnaround in games is clearly not only something we want to be good at – it is an absolute necessity.”

Liverpool have won the competition 10 times, more times than any other side.

Full Carabao Cup fourth round draw

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 26, 2018: The Football League Cup trophy, with Carabao branding, on display before the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Fleetwood vs. Arsenal

Man City/Norwich vs. Brighton

Everton vs. Newcastle

Sunderland vs. Brentford

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Bradford vs. Peterborough

Fulham vs. Crystal Palace

Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa

2026/27 Carabao Cup dates

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili walks out before the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

• Fourth Round: w/c October 26

• Fifth Round: w/c December 14

• Semi-Final First Leg: w/c January 11

• Semi-Final Second Leg: w/c February 1

• Final: Sunday, March 21

szobo nyoni macca iraola

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Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Fulham FC

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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