With no European competition, the Carabao Cup was always going to be an extra priority for Chelsea this season. Well, so far, Xabi Alonso's side have enjoyed two rather contrasting victories, easily swatting aside Luton Town, before a ridiculous 6-3 victory over Leeds, in which a goal was scored every five and a half minutes during a breathless second half.
Surprisingly, the Blues have not won this competition since 2015, beaten in three finals since then. Well now, only three opponents stand between Alonso's side and a March date at Wembley, so who will be next for Chelsea, and when will fans find out?
When will the Carabao Cup fourth round draw take place?
The Carabao Cup fourth round draw takes place on Wednesday 16 September at around 10:30pm (BST). Hosted by Pien Meulensteen, the draw will be conducted by Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Young, live on Sky Sports, following their coverage of Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
Unlike in round three, it is a completely open draw with no complicated conditions or permutations.
Who is through to the Carabao Cup fourth round?
Following last week's third round ties, Chelsea alongside five other teams have already guaranteed their spot in Wednesday's fourth round draw. They are Premier League sides Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Newcastle United, as well as Bradford City of EFL League One.
Ten more clubs will progress to round four this week, with this week's fixtures documented below.
This week's Carabao Cup fixtures
Tuesday 15 September
- Kick off 7:30pm: Peterborough United vs Barnsley.
- Kick off 7:45pm: West Ham United vs Fulham.
- Kick off 8pm: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur.
- Kick of 8pm: Ipswich Town vs Arsenal.
- Kick off 8pm: Reading vs Brentford.
Wednesday 16 September
- Kick off 7:45pm: Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- Kick off 7:45pm: Fleetwood Town vs Sheffield United.
- Kick off 8pm: Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Kick off 8pm: Coventry City vs Aston Villa.
Thursday 17 September
- Kick off 7:30pm: Manchester City vs Norwich City.
When do Carabao Cup fourth round ties take place?
The Carabao Cup fourth round fixtures are scheduled for 27, 28 and 29 October. For Alonso, this could be a very challenging week.
That's because, Chelsea host fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur the Saturday evening. A week later, in the lunchtime kick off, the Blues will welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Halloween, and they could of course be paired alongside either of those two opponents in the draw.
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