EFL Cup 2026/27: Arsenal Stunned by Fleetwood Town as Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City Prepare for Blockbuster Fourth-Round Clashes
The EFL Cup 2026/27 has delivered one of the biggest surprises of the English football season, with Arsenal suffering a dramatic penalty-shootout defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town. As the competition enters its decisive fourth-round stage, football fans across Australia are following the action closely, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United and other major clubs competing for a place in the quarter-finals.
Also known as the Carabao Cup, the EFL Cup continues to demonstrate why knockout football remains one of the most exciting formats in the sport. Premier League giants may enter as favourites, but lower-league opponents are proving that reputation, financial strength and expensive squads mean little when everything comes down to one match.
The latest round has already produced remarkable drama, and several enormous fixtures remain on the schedule. Liverpool's meeting with Chelsea at Anfield is attracting particular attention, while Manchester City's encounter with Brighton promises an intriguing battle between two technically ambitious teams.
For Australian football supporters, the EFL Cup is much more than another domestic English competition. It provides opportunities to watch emerging talent, follow Europe's biggest clubs, experience unexpected results and enjoy midweek football during the Australian morning.
Here is a comprehensive look at the latest EFL Cup results, fourth-round fixtures, major storylines, tournament format, leading contenders and what supporters can expect as the 2026/27 competition progresses.
What Is the EFL Cup and Why Is It So Popular?
The English Football League Cup, commonly called the EFL Cup or Carabao Cup, is one of England's major domestic knockout football competitions.
Unlike the Premier League, which determines its champion through a season-long league table, the EFL Cup is primarily decided through knockout matches. Teams must keep winning to remain in contention, and a single disappointing performance can bring their campaign to an abrupt end.
The competition features clubs from the Premier League and the three divisions of the English Football League: the Championship, League One and League Two.
This structure makes the tournament particularly interesting because clubs with significantly different budgets, squads and expectations can face each other.
A lower-division team might compete against a Premier League powerhouse with internationally recognised players, creating the possibility of an extraordinary upset.
For smaller clubs, these fixtures can also represent valuable opportunities to gain exposure, generate matchday revenue and build unforgettable moments for their supporters.
For established Premier League teams, the EFL Cup offers an opportunity to secure silverware, maintain a winning mentality and provide competitive minutes to developing players.
Although some managers rotate heavily during the earlier rounds, the importance of the trophy generally increases as the competition approaches the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
EFL Cup Latest Results: Arsenal Eliminated in Stunning Upset
The most dramatic development of the fourth round so far occurred on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, when Fleetwood Town eliminated Arsenal following a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout.
Fleetwood secured a remarkable 5-3 victory on penalties, creating one of the tournament's standout moments.
Arsenal entered the fixture as overwhelming favourites because of their greater resources, established Premier League status and squad depth.
However, knockout football rarely follows expectations perfectly.
Fleetwood produced a determined performance in front of their home supporters and refused to be intimidated by Arsenal's reputation.
Their breakthrough came through Loupalo-Bi in the 21st minute, putting the hosts ahead and placing immediate pressure on the visitors.
Arsenal responded after half-time when Viktor Gyökeres equalised in the 50th minute.
At that stage, Arsenal appeared capable of taking control of the match, but Fleetwood continued to compete with determination.
The contest became even more complicated for the visitors when Max Dowman received a red card in the 85th minute.
With the score still level after regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.
Fleetwood converted their opportunities more effectively, winning 5-3 and completing a remarkable upset.
For Arsenal supporters, the elimination represents a major disappointment and raises questions about squad rotation, game management and the ability to handle difficult away fixtures against motivated opponents.
For Fleetwood, the result is an exceptional achievement that highlights the enduring appeal of English cup football.
Bradford City Advance with Victory Over Peterborough United
Another fourth-round result on 27 October saw Bradford City defeat Peterborough United 2-0.
Jack Gillesphey opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Phillips added a second goal in the 67th minute.
Bradford's victory secured their progression into the quarter-finals and reinforced the significance of the EFL Cup for clubs outside the Premier League.
With both Fleetwood Town and Bradford City advancing, the competition has already ensured that lower-division representation remains an important part of the quarter-final picture.
Their success also provides encouragement to smaller clubs across England that view cup competitions as a platform for remarkable sporting achievements.
EFL Cup Fourth-Round Fixtures: Complete Match Schedule
The fourth round takes place between 27 and 29 October 2026, with eight matches determining which teams progress to the last eight.
Fixture | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal | 27 October | Fleetwood won 5-3 on penalties |
Bradford City vs Peterborough United | 27 October | Bradford won 2-0 |
Manchester City vs Brighton | 28 October | Scheduled |
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa | 28 October | Scheduled |
Sunderland vs Brentford | 28 October | Scheduled |
Fulham vs Crystal Palace | 28 October | Scheduled |
Liverpool vs Chelsea | 28 October | Scheduled |
Everton vs Newcastle United | 29 October | Scheduled |
Fixture status reflects the latest confirmed results available as of 28 October 2026. Remaining games are listed without predicted or unverified final scores.
The schedule contains several attractive fixtures, particularly the Premier League encounters.
With strong clubs facing direct elimination, the next stage could look dramatically different from what supporters expected before the round began.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: A Blockbuster EFL Cup Showdown
Liverpool's home encounter with Chelsea is arguably the headline fixture of the fourth round.
Scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at Anfield, the match brings together two clubs with substantial domestic and European ambitions.
Liverpool have a rich history in the League Cup, making them one of the competition's most recognisable teams.
Chelsea also have a proud record in English cup competitions and possess the attacking talent to challenge major opponents.
What makes this match especially fascinating is the tactical battle.
Liverpool traditionally benefit from the intensity created by the Anfield atmosphere, where the home crowd can generate considerable pressure on visiting teams.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to control possession, manage transitions and create opportunities through attacking combinations.
An early goal could transform the tactical direction of the contest.
If Liverpool score first, Chelsea may be forced to commit additional players forward, potentially creating opportunities for Liverpool to counterattack.
If Chelsea take the lead, the home side could face the challenge of breaking down an organised defensive structure.
The managers' selection decisions will also matter.
Both clubs must balance their Premier League commitments with the opportunity to progress in the cup.
Rotation could introduce younger players or squad members seeking to establish themselves.
Regardless of the starting lineups, the contest has the potential to deliver one of the most entertaining matches of the round.
For Australian Liverpool and Chelsea supporters, it is a major fixture worth following.
Manchester City vs Brighton: Can the Holders Continue Their Title Defence?
Manchester City enter the 2026/27 EFL Cup as defending champions after defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the previous season's final.
Their fourth-round opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion, present an interesting challenge.
City remain associated with a possession-oriented approach, technical quality and the ability to control matches through precise passing.
Brighton have developed a reputation for adventurous football, intelligent recruitment and an emphasis on technically capable players.
This meeting could therefore produce an engaging tactical contest between teams comfortable operating with the ball.
Manchester City will likely aim to dominate territory and create chances through sustained attacking pressure.
Brighton may seek opportunities to exploit spaces behind City's advancing players and challenge the hosts during transitional moments.
One especially interesting aspect of this fixture is Brighton's previous progress through the tournament.
Brighton eliminated Manchester United with a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford in the third round.
That result demonstrated their ability to compete against established clubs in demanding environments.
Manchester City, meanwhile, comfortably defeated Norwich City 5-0 in their own third-round fixture.
Both sides therefore arrive with evidence of their attacking capabilities.
City may be favoured because of their squad strength and experience, but Brighton's earlier victory over Manchester United should discourage any assumption that the result is predetermined.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa: A Potential Thriller
Bournemouth's meeting with Aston Villa is another compelling fourth-round encounter.
Both teams have shown that intelligent organisation, recruitment and tactical planning can help clubs challenge more established opponents.
Bournemouth will benefit from playing at home, where a compact stadium and energetic atmosphere can make life difficult for visiting teams.
Aston Villa possess considerable attacking talent and have ambitions extending beyond domestic cup competitions.
The key question could be which team controls the midfield.
If Bournemouth successfully apply pressure and win possession in dangerous areas, they could create promising scoring opportunities.
If Aston Villa bypass that pressure, their attackers may find space to exploit.
Set pieces, substitutions and defensive concentration could prove decisive.
For neutral Australian fans, this encounter could be one of the round's more evenly matched fixtures.
Sunderland vs Brentford: A Test of Consistency
Sunderland and Brentford meet in another all-Premier League contest.
Neither side can afford to underestimate the importance of progressing into the quarter-finals.
For clubs seeking to establish themselves or consolidate their position in the top flight, domestic cup success can provide a meaningful boost.
Sunderland's home supporters will hope their team can use the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light to gain an advantage.
Brentford will aim to maintain their structure, compete physically and create chances through effective attacking movements.
The outcome could depend on which side handles pressure more effectively.
A cautious start would not be surprising, but an early breakthrough could force the contest into a much more open pattern.
With a quarter-final place available, both teams have a strong incentive to compete intensely.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace: London Rivals Chase Quarter-Final Glory
Fulham and Crystal Palace will compete for another place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals when they meet at Craven Cottage.
This London encounter carries significant importance because both clubs have an opportunity to move closer to a major domestic trophy.
Fulham will attempt to use their home advantage to establish control, while Crystal Palace will aim to challenge through disciplined defending and purposeful attacking movements.
Cup competitions can provide opportunities for players who receive fewer minutes in league matches.
Consequently, managers may use the fixture to assess squad depth and give emerging players valuable experience.
However, rotating too many established starters can sometimes weaken a team's overall cohesion.
The managers must therefore find the right balance between maintaining competitiveness and managing player fatigue.
For Fulham and Crystal Palace, reaching the quarter-finals would represent an achievement capable of generating momentum for the remainder of the season.
Everton vs Newcastle United: Final Fourth-Round Battle
The fourth round concludes on Thursday, 29 October 2026, when Everton host Newcastle United.
Both clubs have passionate supporter bases and strong historical connections to English football.
Newcastle have demonstrated the importance that domestic cup success can hold for a club and its supporters, while Everton will be determined to build their own positive cup campaign.
The fixture could be decided by physical battles, defensive organisation and the ability to capitalise on limited opportunities.
Everton's home advantage will be important, particularly if they manage to establish an aggressive tempo early in the match.
Newcastle will seek to use their attacking quality and experience to overcome that challenge.
A victory would take either team into the final eight and provide another reason for supporters to believe that a memorable cup run is possible.
Why the EFL Cup Is Trending in Australia
Although the competition takes place in England, the EFL Cup attracts significant interest from Australian football supporters.
English football has maintained a substantial audience in Australia for decades, with many fans developing strong emotional connections to Premier League clubs.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United are among the clubs with enthusiastic Australian supporter communities.
Several factors help explain why the EFL Cup is attracting attention during this stage of the season.
1. Arsenal's Unexpected Elimination
The defeat against Fleetwood Town provides a major talking point.
When a League Two club eliminates a Premier League giant, the result attracts attention well beyond supporters of the two teams.
Fans naturally want to understand how the upset occurred, which players influenced the result and whether the defeat could affect Arsenal's broader season.
2. Major Premier League Clubs Facing Each Other
Matches such as Liverpool versus Chelsea and Manchester City versus Brighton naturally generate interest.
These fixtures feature recognisable clubs, established players and tactical battles that appeal to viewers around the world.
3. Australian Morning Kick-Offs
Because of the time difference between England and Australia, many evening EFL Cup fixtures take place during the following morning in Australia.
For example, a match beginning at 8:00 pm in the United Kingdom during late October generally starts at 7:00 am in Sydney and Melbourne the following day.
This timing allows some Australian fans to watch important matches before starting their working day.
4. The Appeal of Knockout Football
League competitions reward consistency across many months.
Knockout football creates a different emotional experience.
One mistake, one outstanding save or one successful penalty can determine whether a team advances or is eliminated.
That unpredictability appeals to casual viewers as well as dedicated football supporters.
5. Interest in Emerging Players
EFL Cup fixtures frequently provide opportunities for younger players to gain first-team experience.
Australian supporters interested in future Premier League stars often follow these matches to discover talented players before they become established international names.
EFL Cup 2026/27 Format Explained
Understanding the structure of the competition makes the action easier to follow.
The EFL Cup is organised as a knockout tournament, with clubs progressing through successive rounds until two finalists remain.
Earlier rounds feature a mixture of Premier League and English Football League clubs.
Some Premier League teams enter later in the competition depending on their European commitments and the season's entry arrangements.
The opening stages create opportunities for lower-division clubs to face prominent opponents, while the later rounds become increasingly competitive as the field narrows.
In most rounds before the semi-finals, matches are decided over a single fixture.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the winner is normally determined through a penalty shootout rather than extra time.
This rule makes matches especially unpredictable.
The semi-finals traditionally involve two legs, allowing each finalist to be determined through matches played at both participating clubs' grounds.
The final is played at Wembley Stadium, one of football's most iconic venues.
For players, appearing in a Wembley cup final represents a significant career experience.
For supporters, it offers the possibility of witnessing their club lift a major national trophy.
Important EFL Cup 2026/27 Dates
The competition began in August 2026 and continues into March 2027.
Tournament stage | Scheduled date |
|---|---|
Fourth round | 27–29 October 2026 |
Quarter-finals | Week beginning 14 December 2026 |
Semi-final first legs | Week beginning 11 January 2027 |
Semi-final second legs | Week beginning 1 February 2027 |
Final | Sunday, 21 March 2027 |
The quarter-final stage is particularly significant because reaching the last eight places a club within three rounds of lifting the trophy.
The semi-finals will then determine which teams travel to Wembley for the championship match.
Who Are the Leading Contenders for the 2026/27 EFL Cup?
The competition remains highly competitive, but several clubs stand out based on their experience, quality and ambitions.
Manchester City
Manchester City are among the strongest contenders because of their recent success and established experience in major competitions.
Their depth allows them to field competitive teams even when changes are made to the starting lineup.
As defending champions, City also have the opportunity to demonstrate that their previous victory was not an isolated achievement.
However, they must first overcome Brighton.
Liverpool
Liverpool's League Cup history makes them a natural contender whenever they remain involved.
The club has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to compete in high-pressure knockout matches.
Anfield can also be a significant advantage during home fixtures.
Liverpool's immediate challenge against Chelsea will be a meaningful test of their title ambitions.
Chelsea
Chelsea possess the resources and squad quality to compete for domestic honours.
Success in the EFL Cup could provide confidence and strengthen the team's collective identity.
However, navigating an away fixture against Liverpool will require composure, organisation and effective attacking play.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have increasingly demonstrated their determination to compete for major trophies.
A strong cup campaign would provide another opportunity for the team to deliver memorable experiences for its supporters.
Their meeting with Everton will indicate whether they can take another step toward Wembley.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa remain a dangerous opponent in knockout football.
Their ability to combine organisation with creative attacking play could make them difficult to eliminate.
If Villa can overcome Bournemouth, they will have an opportunity to strengthen their position among the competition's serious contenders.
The Lower-League Challengers
Perhaps the most fascinating remaining contenders are Fleetwood Town and Bradford City.
Neither club carries the same expectations as the Premier League favourites, but that can sometimes work in their favour.
Fleetwood have already demonstrated their ability to withstand intense pressure against a highly regarded opponent.
Bradford have progressed through a convincing victory over Peterborough.
For both clubs, the quarter-finals offer an extraordinary opportunity to continue challenging conventional expectations.
The Importance of Squad Rotation in the EFL Cup
One of the biggest tactical decisions facing managers during the tournament concerns squad rotation.
Premier League clubs often compete in multiple competitions, including domestic league fixtures, European tournaments and national cup matches.
This congested schedule creates challenges related to fatigue, injuries and player availability.
Managers must determine when to rest established players and when to field their strongest possible lineup.
The EFL Cup can be an opportunity to introduce younger footballers who require competitive experience.
It can also help reserve players demonstrate their readiness for more prominent roles.
However, making too many changes can disrupt team chemistry.
Players who rarely start together may struggle to reproduce the understanding that develops through consistent match involvement.
Arsenal's defeat to Fleetwood highlights the broader risks associated with knockout football, although squad selection alone cannot explain any single result.
Regardless of reputation or market value, teams must perform effectively on the day.
This is why successful cup management requires more than simply possessing a talented squad.
It demands preparation, adaptability, tactical discipline and the ability to respond to unexpected circumstances.
How the EFL Cup Helps Develop Young Football Talent
Beyond the battle for the trophy, the EFL Cup plays an important role in player development.
Young footballers frequently struggle to secure regular minutes in highly competitive Premier League squads.
Cup matches can offer an alternative pathway into senior football.
These opportunities allow emerging players to experience the physical demands, speed and pressure of professional matches.
They also provide managers with evidence of how young footballers respond to challenging situations.
A player might demonstrate technical quality during academy fixtures, but performing against experienced senior opponents requires additional qualities.
Decision-making, defensive concentration, physical resilience and emotional control become particularly important.
A successful appearance in the League Cup can increase a young player's confidence and strengthen their chances of receiving further first-team opportunities.
Supporters also benefit because they get an early look at players who could become important members of their clubs in future seasons.
For Australian football enthusiasts, this makes the tournament especially interesting from a scouting and development perspective.
What Makes Lower-League Upsets So Special?
The EFL Cup's unpredictability is one of its greatest attractions.
Financial inequality is an unavoidable reality in modern football.
Premier League clubs generally possess greater resources than teams in the lower divisions.
They can attract internationally recognised players, invest heavily in training infrastructure and maintain deeper squads.
Yet knockout competitions occasionally allow smaller clubs to overcome these structural disadvantages.
Several factors contribute to that possibility.
Firstly, the home atmosphere can play a major role.
When a smaller club hosts a famous opponent, the occasion often generates extraordinary excitement among supporters.
Secondly, underdogs frequently approach matches with a different mindset.
While the favourite faces intense pressure to avoid embarrassment, the smaller club may be motivated by the opportunity to create history.
Thirdly, defensive discipline and effective counterattacking can narrow the gap between teams.
A lower-division side does not necessarily need to dominate possession to secure victory.
Finally, penalty shootouts introduce another element of uncertainty.
Even the strongest teams can struggle when a knockout match comes down to a handful of high-pressure kicks.
Fleetwood Town's victory over Arsenal illustrates how these factors can combine to produce an unforgettable result.
How to Watch the EFL Cup in Australia
Australian supporters looking to follow the EFL Cup should confirm the current local broadcasting arrangements before each round.
Broadcast rights and streaming availability can change between seasons, and coverage of individual matches may vary.
Fans should check licensed Australian sports streaming platforms, official competition announcements and their television provider's football schedule.
Kick-off times also require careful attention.
The United Kingdom switches between British Summer Time and Greenwich Mean Time during the football season, while some Australian states observe daylight saving.
Consequently, the time difference is not constant throughout the year.
For the fourth-round matches in late October 2026, the main Australian east-coast kick-off times are as follows.
Match | Sydney/Melbourne time (AEDT) |
|---|---|
Manchester City vs Brighton | 6:30 am, 29 October |
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa | 6:45 am, 29 October |
Sunderland vs Brentford | 6:45 am, 29 October |
Fulham vs Crystal Palace | 6:45 am, 29 October |
Liverpool vs Chelsea | 7:00 am, 29 October |
Everton vs Newcastle | 6:45 am, 30 October |
Football fans in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and other locations should adjust these times according to their local time zones.
Those unable to watch live can follow official match updates, post-match highlights and football news coverage.
What Happens After the Fourth Round?
Once the remaining fourth-round fixtures are completed, eight teams will advance to the quarter-finals.
Fleetwood Town and Bradford City have already secured their places.
The other six positions will be determined by the remaining matches.
The quarter-final draw will establish the next set of opponents, with the fixtures scheduled for December 2026.
At that stage, the competitive pressure increases considerably.
A quarter-final victory provides progression to the semi-finals, bringing the prospect of a Wembley appearance much closer.
Clubs may also reconsider how they approach team selection.
Managers who rotated extensively during the earlier stages could choose stronger starting lineups as the opportunity to win the trophy becomes more realistic.
Injuries, league form and European commitments will continue to influence decisions.
Nevertheless, the remaining teams will recognise that a major trophy is within reach.
Predictions and Expectations for the Remaining Matches
Predicting knockout football is never straightforward, particularly after Arsenal's unexpected elimination.
However, several matches appear likely to generate significant interest.
Liverpool versus Chelsea has the potential to produce a tense, high-quality contest.
Both teams possess the technical ability to create scoring opportunities, but defensive organisation could be crucial.
Manchester City will be expected to compete strongly against Brighton, although the visitors have already demonstrated their ability to eliminate high-profile opponents.
Bournemouth versus Aston Villa looks competitive on paper and could be decided by relatively small tactical margins.
Fulham versus Crystal Palace may depend on midfield control and the efficiency of the respective forward lines.
Sunderland versus Brentford could develop into a demanding physical encounter, while Newcastle's visit to Everton should provide another intense contest.
The most important lesson from the tournament so far is that predictions must remain cautious.
An established reputation does not guarantee progression.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EFL Cup 2026/27
What does EFL Cup stand for?
EFL Cup stands for English Football League Cup. It is a major domestic knockout football tournament in England.
Is the EFL Cup the same as the Carabao Cup?
Yes. The competition is commonly known as the Carabao Cup because of its commercial sponsorship.
Who won the EFL Cup in 2026?
Manchester City won the 2025/26 competition by defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the final.
Did Arsenal get eliminated from the 2026/27 EFL Cup?
Yes. Arsenal were eliminated by Fleetwood Town on 27 October 2026 after a 1-1 draw and a 5-3 penalty shootout defeat.
Which lower-league teams have reached the quarter-finals?
Fleetwood Town and Bradford City have secured quarter-final places following their fourth-round victories.
When is the EFL Cup quarter-final draw?
The quarter-final draw is scheduled to follow Liverpool's fourth-round match against Chelsea on 28 October 2026.
When will the EFL Cup quarter-finals take place?
The quarter-final matches are scheduled for the week beginning 14 December 2026.
When is the 2026/27 EFL Cup final?
The final is scheduled for Sunday, 21 March 2027, at Wembley Stadium in London.
Why is the EFL Cup important?
The competition offers clubs an opportunity to win a major domestic trophy, provides competitive experience for developing players and creates memorable fixtures between teams from different divisions.
Final Thoughts: The EFL Cup 2026/27 Is Becoming a Tournament to Remember
The EFL Cup 2026/27 is already producing the kind of drama that makes English knockout football so compelling.
Fleetwood Town's extraordinary elimination of Arsenal has reminded supporters that even the biggest teams are vulnerable when they face determined opponents.
Bradford City's progress has further strengthened the narrative of lower-division clubs challenging expectations.
Meanwhile, the remaining fourth-round fixtures promise more excitement, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and several other clubs fighting to keep their trophy ambitions alive.
For Australian supporters, the competition offers an excellent opportunity to follow major English clubs, discover emerging players and enjoy exciting early-morning football.
The road to Wembley remains open, and the coming matches will determine which teams can transform their ambitions into a genuine challenge for silverware.
As the tournament moves closer to December's quarter-finals, the pressure will only intensify.
Some clubs will see their dreams end unexpectedly, while others will move closer to one of the most memorable achievements of their season.
