The Carabao Cup is serving up drama and surprises this week, as the fourth round unfolds with Premier League giants and underdog stories colliding in a packed schedule that’s keeping fans glued to their screens.
Grimsby Town: The Cinderella Story Continues
If you’re looking for a classic cup upset, look no further than
League Two’s Grimsby Town. After stunning Manchester United in round two and dispatching Sheffield Wednesday in round three, Grimsby now faces Premier League side Brentford—a matchup that’s got neutrals rooting for another shock result.
This run has made Grimsby the talk of the tournament, proving once again that the Carabao Cup is fertile ground for
giant-killing narratives.
Premier League Heavyweights Enter the Fray
The fourth round isn’t just about the underdogs.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and holders Newcastle United are all in action, with nine top-flight teams playing on Wednesday night. Newcastle, fresh off last season’s final win over Liverpool, host Tottenham in what promises to be a fiercely contested tie.
Other headline fixtures include:
- Arsenal vs Brighton
- Manchester City’s trip to Swansea City
- Wolves vs Chelsea at Molineux
With so many big clubs still in the mix, the race for the first major trophy of the English season is heating up.
VAR Absent for Fourth Round Matches
In a twist that’s sparking debate,
VAR (Video Assistant Referee) will not be used in any fourth-round matches, even those played at Premier League stadiums. The English Football League’s policy is that VAR is only implemented if every stadium hosting a match in the round is equipped for it. With Grimsby, Wycombe, Wrexham, and Swansea all hosting games, VAR is off the table—meaning controversial calls could add even more drama to the proceedings.
Key Dates and What’s Next
- Fourth Round: Week commencing 27 October 2025
- Quarter-finals: January 2026
- Semi-finals: January and February 2026
- Final: Sunday, March 22, 2026
The winners from this week’s matches will advance to the quarter-finals, setting up a tantalizing run-in as the competition resumes after the New Year.
Actionable Takeaways and Future Implications
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Watch for upsets: With Grimsby Town and other lower-league teams still alive, don’t be surprised if the cup throws up more surprises.
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VAR debates: Expect heated discussions over refereeing decisions, especially with VAR absent.
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Big clubs under pressure: Premier League sides will be desperate to avoid embarrassment and keep their trophy hopes alive.
As the Carabao Cup fourth round wraps up, all eyes are on whether the underdogs can keep their dream alive—or if the big boys will reassert their dominance. Either way, the magic of the cup is alive and well.
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