By Emmanuel Buah

The race for the 2026/27 Carabao Cup quarter-finals continues with six fourth-round matches scheduled across Wednesday and Thursday, featuring several exciting Premier League clashes and clubs fighting to keep their hopes of silverware alive.

The standout fixture is Liverpool vs Chelsea at Anfield, where two major English clubs meet in a knockout contest with no room for complacency. Manchester City also host Brighton, while Aston Villa travel to Bournemouth in another meeting between Premier League sides.

Wednesday's schedule includes five matches, with Everton and Newcastle United completing the round on Thursday.

According to the English Football League (EFL), the quarter-final draw will take place after Wednesday's Liverpool vs Chelsea fixture. All times below are in Nigerian time (WAT).

Wednesday, 28 October: Five matches to watch

1. Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion

Kick-off: 8:30 PM WAT

Manchester City welcome Brighton in a contest that could test the hosts' ability to balance possession with defensive discipline.

City's technical quality and experience in knockout competitions make them a formidable opponent, but Brighton have shown they can compete against leading sides through intelligent pressing and quick transitions.

The key question is whether Brighton can disrupt City's rhythm and take advantage of opportunities when they arise. City, meanwhile, will want to impose their style early and avoid allowing the visitors to grow in confidence.

What to watch: City's control of possession against Brighton's pressing and counterattacking threat.

2. Bournemouth vs Aston Villa

Kick-off: 8:45 PM WAT

Bournemouth host Aston Villa in a potentially close encounter between two sides looking to make progress in the competition.

The home side will hope to use its familiarity with the Vitality Stadium to create an advantage, while Villa arrive with ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals.

Cup matches can be decided by small details, including set pieces, defensive errors and the ability to take chances under pressure. Both sides will need to be efficient in front of goal.

What to watch: The battle for midfield control and whether either team can turn pressure into clear scoring opportunities.

3. Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Kick-off: 8:45 PM WAT

Fulham face Crystal Palace in a London derby that carries additional significance because of the rivalry between the clubs.

With a quarter-final place at stake, the match offers both teams an opportunity to strengthen their cup ambitions. Fulham will look to make home advantage count, while Palace will aim to produce a disciplined performance and exploit openings in the opposition's defence.

The intensity of a derby can make knockout football unpredictable, particularly if the contest remains level deep into the match.

What to watch: The teams' defensive organisation, transitions and ability to manage pressure in a high-stakes local rivalry.

4. Sunderland vs Brentford

Kick-off: 8:45 PM WAT

Sunderland welcome Brentford in another all-Premier League fourth-round tie.

Sunderland will look to use the energy of their home support to challenge Brentford, who will be determined to secure a place in the last eight.

Brentford's ability to compete physically and threaten from set pieces could be important, while Sunderland will need to remain organised and make the most of their attacking opportunities.

What to watch: Set pieces, aerial duels and which team handles the pressure of a knockout match more effectively.

5. Liverpool vs Chelsea

Kick-off: 9:00 PM WAT

The biggest fixture of the night sees Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield.

The meeting brings together two clubs accustomed to competing for major honours, with both sides aware that one poor performance could end their Carabao Cup campaign.

Liverpool will hope to use their home advantage and the atmosphere at Anfield to set the tempo. Chelsea, however, will arrive looking to demonstrate that they have the quality and composure to progress away from home.

The tactical contest could prove decisive. Liverpool will want to create pressure and force mistakes, while Chelsea will need to find ways to progress the ball and create chances without leaving themselves exposed.

With a quarter-final place on the line, individual quality, substitutions and the management of key moments could determine the outcome.

What to watch: Midfield battles, defensive transitions and whether either side can turn its best spells into goals.

Thursday, 29 October: Everton vs Newcastle United

6. Everton vs Newcastle United

Kick-off: 8:45 PM WAT

Everton host Newcastle United in the final fixture of the fourth round.

Both clubs will see the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to move closer to a trophy, making this a significant match for their respective campaigns.

Everton will hope to make home advantage count, while Newcastle will look to combine attacking ambition with the defensive discipline needed to survive a knockout tie.

The match could be particularly demanding if the teams remain closely matched late into the game. In a cup contest, the ability to stay composed and take chances can matter as much as overall possession.

What to watch: Newcastle's attacking threat against Everton's home performance, with both sides needing to avoid costly defensive mistakes.

The quarter-final picture

The fourth round has already delivered two confirmed results from Tuesday, 27 October:

  • Bradford City 2–0 Peterborough United: Bradford advanced to the quarter-finals.

  • Fleetwood Town 1–1 Arsenal: Fleetwood won 5–3 on penalties to eliminate Arsenal.

The remaining six fixtures will complete the last-16 stage. The quarter-final draw is scheduled after Liverpool vs Chelsea on Wednesday, with the next round set for the week commencing 14 December 2026.

For the clubs still competing, the objective is simple: win and move one step closer to Wembley.

Final word

The Carabao Cup's fourth round offers a mix of heavyweight meetings, local rivalries and opportunities for clubs to keep their trophy ambitions alive.

Liverpool vs Chelsea is the headline attraction, but Manchester City vs Brighton and Bournemouth vs Aston Villa also promise compelling contests. Thursday's Everton vs Newcastle match will then bring the round to a close.

With quarter-final places at stake, the next two nights could significantly reshape the competition.

Source: English Football League (EFL), official Carabao Cup fourth-round schedule and competition information.