Carabao Cup Fourth Round: Who Will Advance to the Quarterfinals?

The Carabao Cup's fourth round unfolds across two nights this week, featuring the remaining 16 clubs in the tournament.

Although Premier League giants have ruled in recent seasons, there's a certainty that English Football League (EFL) sides will feature in this year's quarterfinal stage.

For European competitors, merely two Carabao Cup wins secure a place in the final eight, though others have battled through multiple rounds since August to keep alive their Wembley aspirations.

Eleven of the surviving 16 clubs play in England's top division, with only Manchester United from the traditional 'Big Six' eliminated from the tournament, falling spectacularly to League Two side Grimsby Town in round two. The Mariners have subsequently reached the fourth round for the first time since the 2001–02 campaign, but can their extraordinary cup adventure advance to the quarterfinals?

Below are Sports Illustrated's fourth round Carabao Cup forecasts.

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Wrexham Looking to Prolong Cup Adventure

Tuesday evening features three matches, involving four of the remaining five EFL clubs.

Following their penalty shootout victory over United in late August, David Artell's Grimsby overcame Sheffield Wednesday, who have subsequently entered administration, in round three through a Jeze Kabia goal shortly after the interval. The Mariners sit sixth in League Two and return to Blundell Park for their fourth round clash with Brentford.

An impressive display against West Ham United and a 3–2 triumph over Premier League champions Liverpool has the Bees approaching Tuesday's encounter with confidence. They've reached the quarterfinals in three of the last five campaigns and will expect to prevent a significant shock in Cleethorpes.

Fulham's situation appears less certain currently, having suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat at the weekend. They narrowly advanced past Cambridge United in the last round and now meet a Wycombe Wanderers side that, despite sitting 17th in League One, remains undefeated in their last five outings.

Cardiff City's main objective is securing Championship promotion this season, with the Bluebirds currently topping the third division. Wrexham, conversely, will relish a cup journey following three straight promotions. Premier League football remains distant, with second-tier consolidation more realistic this campaign.

They've experienced a thrilling beginning to their Carabao Cup journey and host their Welsh counterparts at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday evening. These clubs haven't met competitively since 2002.

Wednesday, Oct. 29: Premier League Heavyweights Take Center Stage

Newcastle United ended the 'Big Six's' stranglehold on the Carabao Cup this year, defeating Liverpool 2–1 at Wembley to claim their first major domestic silverware since 1955.

The last non-'Big Six' team to lift the trophy was Swansea City in 2013, and the Welsh club remains in contention after mounting a remarkable comeback from 2–0 down against Nottingham Forest in round three.

The Swans host eight-time champions Manchester City in South Wales on Wednesday night. The Citizens comfortably dispatched Huddersfield Town to arrange this meeting, though Aston Villa ended their winning streak at the weekend.

Wednesday's remaining fixtures are all Premier League encounters. Current holders Newcastle entertain set-piece specialists Tottenham Hotspur at St. James' Park for the evening's later kickoff, with Spurs seeking their first Tyneside victory since 2021. Tanguy Ndombélé was instrumental in a 3–2 triumph for Nuno Espírito Santo's Lilywhites during their last success at Newcastle's stadium.

Brighton & Hove Albion eliminated Arsenal from this competition in the 2022–23 season when the Gunners were Premier League leaders, so history could repeat itself. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta's squad possesses greater depth now compared to three seasons ago, when Karl Hein and Albert Sambi Lokonga featured for the home team.

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain without a Premier League victory, yet they've defeated two top-flight opponents in West Ham United and Everton to reach round four. Chelsea, following a shocking home loss to Sunderland, await Vitor Pereira's squad next.

Liverpool stumbled again at the weekend, suffering their fourth consecutive league loss. Some observers suggest they're already eliminated from title contention, making domestic cups potentially their salvation this season. However, they face the team that triggered their decline, Crystal Palace, at Anfield on Wednesday.

Palace haven't won since their 19-match unbeaten streak ended before the October international break.