The Carabao Cup—better known as the EFL Cup—is back in the spotlight this week as the competition heats up with the Round Four draw officially confirmed. With Premier League heavyweights and lower-league hopefuls still in the mix, fans are buzzing about the potential for upsets and dramatic showdowns.
Premier League Powerhouses Enter the Fray
This season’s EFL Cup, officially the 2025–26 edition, marks the 66th year of the tournament and features all 92 clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League. The format is designed to give every club—from the giants to the underdogs—a shot at silverware, with Premier League teams joining in the later rounds depending on their European commitments.
The third round, which wrapped up this week, saw the nine Premier League clubs involved in European competitions finally enter the tournament, joining the 23 winners from the previous round. The result? A packed schedule of high-stakes matches, with several top-flight teams advancing to Round Four.
Round Four Draw: Who’s Facing Off?
The official draw for Round Four was announced today, setting the stage for some tantalizing fixtures. While the full list of matchups is still being finalized, sources confirm that several Premier League sides will face tough opposition from both their own ranks and ambitious lower-league teams.
Fans can expect the following in Round Four:
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16 clubs will compete in eight matches
- Fixtures are scheduled for the week commencing
27 October 2025- The draw includes both Premier League giants and EFL challengers, promising drama and potential upsets
How to Watch: Every Game, Every Moment
For UK viewers, every Carabao Cup tie in Round Three and beyond is available live on Sky Sports, ensuring fans won’t miss a minute of the action. With the competition’s unpredictable nature, tuning in is a must for anyone hoping to catch the next big shock or last-minute winner.
Recent Highlights and Talking Points
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Liverpool edged Southampton in a nail-biting finish, with Ekitike sent off while celebrating a late winner—a moment that’s already making headlines.
- Newcastle United, last season’s champions, are looking to defend their crown, but face stiff competition from clubs hungry for their own piece of history.
- Injury updates and squad rotations are dominating the news, with managers balancing cup ambitions against league priorities.
What’s Next: Road to Wembley
With the quarter-finals set for December and the final scheduled for March 2026, the race for Wembley glory is officially on. The EFL Cup remains one of English football’s most unpredictable tournaments, where dreams are made—and dashed—in a single night.
Key Takeaways for Fans:- Expect high drama and surprise results as the competition progresses
- Premier League clubs are favorites, but lower-league teams have a history of giant-killing
- Every match is available to watch live, so mark your calendars for late October
Stay tuned as the Carabao Cup continues to deliver the thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments that make English football so special.
Sources
1. 2025–26 EFL Cup - Wikipedia
2. Competition History - The English Football League - EFL
3. How to Watch every Carabao Cup game this week
4. Football news - Top stories, videos & results - TNT Sports
5. Carabao Cup Round Four draw confirmed
6. Homepage - The English Football League - EFL
7. Latest Football News - NewsNow
8. Spurs Media Watch, News and Stories - Tottenham Hotspur