Carabao Cup Fourth Round Preview: Liverpool Lock Horns With Chelsea as Man City Battle Brighton

With the Champions League and UEFA's other club competitions taking a breather this week, the spotlight shifts to domestic cup action, with several of the Premier League's elite sides stepping into the spotlight.

We're deep in a relentless stretch leading up to the November international break, and many clubs with European fixtures are still eager to mount a cup run and give their fans something to look forward to at Wembley.

13 of the 16 remaining Carabao Cup sides compete in the top flight, setting up a host of all-Premier League clashes midweek, including a few potentially mouth-watering matchups.

Here's how Sports Illustrated sees the Carabao Cup fourth round unfolding.

Fleetwood Town vs. Arsenal Prediction

Prediction: Fleetwood 0–3 Arsenal

Arsenal were the standout beneficiaries of the Premier League weekend, even as their fiercest rivals claimed a rare win at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners drew level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table after cruising to a 2–0 victory over Everton and watching the Cityzens fall at Villa Park.

Mikel Arteta will certainly have Sunday's trip to Anfield in mind, where Arsenal have a poor record, and he'll have the opportunity to rest key players at Highbury on Tuesday.

No, Arsenal aren't heading back to their former home. Instead, they face Fleetwood Town for the very first time. The Fishermen reached the fourth round for the first time in their club's history by defeating Sheffield United last month, but their form has nosedived since.

Five losses from their last seven league matches leave Mark Lawlor's side sitting 18th in League Two.

Anything short of a comfortable away win would come as a real shock.

Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction

Prediction: Man City 2–1 Brighton

There's a 'Big Six' showdown at Anfield a little later in the evening, but this could well be the most compelling tie of the round.

Both sides entered the Premier League weekend riding high, only to be brought back down to earth. Man City were undone by a Nicolas Jackson brace on Saturday lunchtime, ending their winning run to open the league season. Chelsea's record of nine consecutive wins to begin their title defense in 2005–06 remains untouched.

Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, were left to regret squandered opportunities on Merseyside, as two rapid Liverpool goals handed the Seagulls a 2–0 defeat. Despite the loss, Brighton remain the league's leading scorers, and they're looking to complete a Manchester double at the outset of their Carabao Cup campaign.

Brighton came from 2–0 down to defeat Manchester United 3–2 in round three, while City hammered Norwich City at the start of their title defense.

Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa Prediction

Prediction: Bournemouth 3–1 Aston Villa

Bournemouth and Aston Villa probably welcome the relentless fixture schedule right now, given the confidence flowing through both camps.

The Cherries had quite the week, dismantling two storied institutions in AC Milan and Manchester United in consecutive games. Marco Rose's side remain unbeaten in Europe and demonstrated at the weekend why any early-season concerns were misplaced.

Villa, though, are equally full of confidence. Unai Emery has done it again. Just when it seemed a rebuild was beyond him, he's reminded everyone why he's among the most respected managers in the game. Villa's difficult start to the season feels like a distant memory, and they head to the south coast on the back of four straight wins.

Liverpool vs. Chelsea Prediction

Prediction: Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea (Liverpool win on penalties)

A timeless rivalry between red and blue. Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday evening, looking to eliminate another 'Big Six' opponent.

Tottenham Hotspur were dispatched 3–1 in the third round thanks to some clinical finishing, while Chelsea edged past historic rivals Leeds United in a wild, end-to-end encounter.

This has suddenly become a significant occasion for Xabi Alonso at his former ground, having become only the second Chelsea manager—after Antonio Conte—to suffer a Premier League home defeat to Spurs. Alonso was thoroughly outmaneuvered by Roberto De Zerbi, and the early optimism surrounding the Spaniard's tenure has quickly evaporated.

The Blues did claim victory on their last Carabao Cup visit to Anfield in 2018 but have managed just one win at Liverpool since. They now face an Andoni Iraola-led side that continues to deliver impressive results while still finding its best form.

Everton vs. Newcastle United Prediction

Prediction: Everton 1–2 Newcastle

The fourth round wraps up with a solitary fixture on Thursday, as Everton host Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newcastle won convincingly on their first visit to Everton's new home last season, and Matthias Jaissle's Magpies picked up a much-needed away win at the weekend. A struggling Crystal Palace side were overcome with relative comfort, courtesy of second-half strikes from William Osula and Harvey Barnes.

Newcastle's triumph in this competition two seasons ago stood as the greatest moment in the club's modern era, and another deep cup run would serve the confident new manager well.

Everton were beaten by the champions on Saturday, with injury and availability concerns forcing David Moyes into one too many changes. Toffees supporters have endured a long wait for cup glory, with the club's recent domestic cup record leaving much to be desired.

Carabao Cup Fourth Round Predictions