The Carabao Cup round 4 returns this week with electrifying fourth-round matchups that promise intense action and high-stakes drama as teams battle for a coveted place in the quarterfinals.
With fierce rivalries and exciting narratives in play, fans across England are in for a treat. Each fixture brings its own storyline, from underdogs aiming to shock the giants to historic battles reigniting on the pitch. Here’s a look at the key matchups that await us in this thrilling round of the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle United vs Chelsea: Magpies Look to Break Chelsea Dominance
Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park for what is expected to be one of the most tightly contested fixtures of the Carabao Cup round. The Magpies have struggled against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, with Chelsea knocking them out in five of their six previous League Cup encounters. The last clash between these two teams in this competition ended in heartbreak for Newcastle, with Chelsea advancing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
However, Newcastle’s recent home form is impressive, and they are determined to break their poor record against Chelsea in the League Cup. Having won their last five fourth-round Carabao Cup matches, Newcastle fans have reason to hope for victory, especially given Chelsea’s struggles at St James’ Park in Premier League action, where they have lost their last two visits.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to make it back-to-back quarterfinals for the first time since the 2018-19 season. With star forward Christopher Nkunku in top form, Chelsea’s attacking lineup is ready to test Newcastle’s defensive resolve in what could be a high-stakes encounter with a dramatic finish.
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Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace: Villa Aim to Continue Cup Dominance
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace face off at Villa Park in a game that could see the home side extend their Carabao Cup League Cup dominance over Palace. Historically, Villa have emerged victorious in three of their four previous League Cup meetings with the Eagles. Their last encounter in the 2003-04 season ended in a convincing 3-0 win for Villa, and fans will be hoping for a repeat performance.
Palace, however, have struggled at Villa Park, with their last win there coming seven matches ago across all competitions. Their recent League Cup history is not encouraging either, as they’ve exited in the fourth round in their last three attempts. The Eagles’ last trip to the quarterfinals was back in the 2011-12 season when they were still in the Championship.
Despite recent struggles, Palace are eager to break their poor record at Villa Park, while Aston Villa will rely on Morgan Rogers, their in-form striker who has scored in his last five League Cup games, to lead them to victory on home turf. With both teams looking for a boost in the competition, this clash is bound to deliver high-energy action.
Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday: Can the Bees Continue Their Dominance?
Brentford enter their Carabao Cup League Cup showdown with Sheffield Wednesday full of confidence, having won their last three matches across all competitions against the Owls. This fourth-round encounter presents the Bees with an opportunity to claim a fourth consecutive win over Sheffield Wednesday, a feat they have never achieved before. Brentford’s journey to this stage has been comfortable, seeing them dispatch League Two and League One sides with ease.
However, Sheffield Wednesday holds the historical advantage in League Cup matchups between the two, progressing in their two previous ties against Brentford back in the 1980s and 1990s. The Owls’ impressive fourth-round record includes a memorable 3-0 win over Arsenal in 2015-16, highlighting their ability to spring surprises in this competition.
Brentford’s Fábio Carvalho, with five goals in his last six domestic cup appearances, will be a key player for the Bees as they look to continue their streak. This fixture offers a classic clash of current form versus historical advantage, with Brentford aiming to extend their unbeaten run and Sheffield Wednesday looking to revive their winning ways.
Brighton vs Liverpool: Seagulls Seek Historic Upset Against Reds
One of the Carabao Cup round’s most anticipated fixtures sees Brighton host Liverpool at the Amex Stadium. Brighton have impressed at home, winning two of their last three games against Liverpool in all competitions, marking a significant achievement against a team of Liverpool’s caliber. However, Liverpool’s history in the League Cup gives them a slight edge, having won both previous encounters with Brighton in this competition.
The Reds, though, face a potential upset in this fixture. Brighton have won their last three home games in the League Cup and are eager to secure a fourth consecutive win on home soil. This season, Liverpool are aware of the challenge posed by the Seagulls, who have consistently outperformed expectations at home.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who has scored six goals in his last League Cup appearances, will be their primary threat. Brighton, on the other hand, are looking to reach the quarterfinals for only the second time since the 1978-79 season and will rely on their home crowd to fuel their ambitions in this high-stakes battle.
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Other Fixtures to Watch in the Carabao Cup Round Four
In addition to the marquee matchups, the Carabao Cup’s fourth round also features Southampton taking on Stoke City and Brentford facing off against Sheffield Wednesday. Both fixtures promise high-energy football and the potential for upsets as each club vies for a spot in the quarterfinals. With Southampton and Stoke each looking to make a statement in the competition, fans can expect a thrilling evening of cup football.
The Carabao Cup has already delivered several surprises this season, and the fourth round promises to continue the trend. Each clash brings a unique set of narratives and rivalries, showcasing the depth and excitement of English football. For fans across England and beyond, this round of the Carabao Cup offers a feast of thrilling encounters that are sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
