League Two Fleetwood Town will host Premier League champions Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Lancashire club reached this stage for the first time in their history on Wednesday night, and their reward is the biggest home tie the club has ever staged.
How Fleetwood Made History
Fleetwood beat Championship side Sheffield United 1-0 on Wednesday, with an own goal from Rhys Norrington-Davies settling the tie. It is the first time the club have reached the fourth round of the competition.
For a League Two side, a home draw against the champions is the dream outcome: a sold-out Highbury Stadium, a television audience and a financial boost that can shape a season.
Arsenal Arrive as Premier League Champions
Mikel Arteta’s side booked their place with a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday. As Premier League champions, Arsenal will be strong favourites, though Arteta has typically used the League Cup to rotate and hand minutes to younger players and fringe members of the squad.
England internationals such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka may or may not feature, but even a rotated Arsenal side represents a huge step up in quality from what Fleetwood face week to week in League Two.
The Rest of the Fourth Round Draw
Holders Manchester City will welcome Brighton to the Etihad Stadium if they beat Norwich in Thursday’s remaining third-round tie.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will return to Anfield to face Liverpool, the club he played for between 2004 and 2009, in one of the standout ties of the round.
When Is the Tie and Where Can I Watch?
The EFL has yet to confirm exact dates and television selections for the fourth round. The round is traditionally played in late October or early November, with selected ties broadcast live in the UK.
Fleetwood will be hoping for a live television pick, which would add further income to an already lucrative draw.
FAQ
Who do Arsenal play in the Carabao Cup fourth round?
Arsenal will travel to League Two Fleetwood Town, who will host the tie at Highbury Stadium.
How did Fleetwood reach the fourth round?
Fleetwood beat Sheffield United 1-0 on Wednesday night through a Rhys Norrington-Davies own goal, reaching the fourth round for the first time in their history.
Who are the Carabao Cup holders?
Manchester City are the holders. They will host Brighton in the fourth round if they beat Norwich in Thursday’s third-round tie.
Will Xabi Alonso return to Liverpool?
Yes, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will visit Anfield to face his former club Liverpool in the fourth round.
When will Fleetwood vs Arsenal be played?
The EFL has not yet confirmed the date. Carabao Cup fourth-round ties are usually played in late October or early November.
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