⚽ EFL Carabao Cup 2026/27 Season

[Hewlet]

Don't get your hopes high. One out of Manchester City and Liverpool will fall out before the final round of the competition.

There's no guarantee on this statement, the final may actually be both teams, Arsenal and Brighton crashing out were some big threats eliminated. I see that teams who bring unexpected challenges are those from lower leagues. Arsenal underestimated Fleetwood Town and they were eliminated.

With the remaining teams which are Fleetwood Town, Everton, Crystal palace, Sunderland, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Manchester City and Bradford, I believe Manchester city and liverpool have considerable chances of making it to the finals, but anything can happen though.

No one expected Arsenal to be knocked out in that way, but that is exactly what happened, stunningly, Arsenal were knocked out after losing to Fleetwood. So there is certainly no guarantee that Man City and Liverpool will remain unbeaten on their way to the final. Indeed, there aren’t many big threats left, but in football, anything can happen

if arsenal used their full squad in that game, they certainly would have remained in the carabo cup till now. they made an avoidable mistake and unfortunately, they have to suffer for it by being eliminated. As for manchester city and liverpool, i consider them going far and either of them winning it eventually because they have passed that stage where they will risk so much. at the end of the day, one of the premier league team will still stay to the end and win it.

liverpool Bournemouth will be a screamer in the next phase because with the way Bournemouth are playing and considering how they dealt with manchester city, liverpool will have it though in that game 

[NewRevelation]

I was impressed with Brighton yesterday, they were so stubborn and didn't allow Manchester City to easily eliminate them. As for Chelsea i knew they wouldn't stand Liverpool, Arsenal disappointed me the most.

The EFL was the only viable cup the likes of Brighton can be close to winning and that may have being the reason behind their fierceness against Manchester City beyond what we have expected the game to be for City. I felt most disappointed by Chelsea than i did with Arsenal, i mean the Blues has no other tough engagements other than the EPL and would have taken the EFL more serious than any of the big teams participating but they just got flushed out so early. as for Arsenal it ca be excused that Arteta may not be prioritizing the EFL this season and want to fashion energy into the most important for him, the EPL and UCL, thats why their early exit.

I believe Chelsea gave in there best. They fought for the win, but as we know, Liverpool is not an easy side. They are winning games now and they are trying to maintain there good form. So they did all they can to avoid loosing against Chelsea, and finally they got the win through penalty shoot out. Loosing against Liverpool in penalties isn't a bad record for Chelsea, it's penalties and anyone can win. Probably, they would concentrate and reserve there energies for the EPL.

As for Arsenal, I wouldn't take there exit as a fair one. It is not fair at all that the champions of England are been eliminated by a very low division team like Fleetwood. There is no justification for there lose. They game shouldn't have gone to penalties at all.  Not against Fleetwood. Even the second team of Arsenal is soposed to win comfortably. It's very poor on there side for loosing such a game. So if they loose against Liverpool, what would they say?

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Now that all big teams except Manchester City and Liverpool have been eliminated, I'm beginning to think that both Enzo and Areola would put the Carabao cup on the list of their priorities this season. As long as either teams don't meet each other in the rounds leading to the final, we might actually have a classic Mancity vs Liverpool final and I think it would be fun to watch because there is still bad blood between both sides after that 0-3 loss that Liverpool suffered a few weeks ago in the hands of City.

Fingers crossed.

Having Manchester city and Liverpool play the finals in this season's Carabao cup would feel heavenly to watch, Liverpool would want to use the opportunity to retaliate the loss and humiliation they suffered in the hands of Manchester city but since a cup is involved, I doubt Manchester city would give them (LP) the chance of winning, except LP got really lucky like Everton got yesterday in their game against Newcastle.

I watched the Everton vs Newcastle game yesterday but slept off while I was waiting for the second half to begin, and based on performance, I excepted Newcastle to beat Everton not minding the fact that they (Everton) had two goals in the first half of the match, but to my amazement  when I woke up and checking scores, I saw that Everton later won the game by 3 goals to 1, I simply counted them as lucky even though I know that good preparation and hard work was definitely involved.

[Abbatty]

Now that all big teams except Manchester City and Liverpool have been eliminated, I'm beginning to think that both Enzo and Areola would put the Carabao cup on the list of their priorities this season. As long as either teams don't meet each other in the rounds leading to the final, we might actually have a classic Mancity vs Liverpool final and I think it would be fun to watch because there is still bad blood between both sides after that 0-3 loss that Liverpool suffered a few weeks ago in the hands of City.

Fingers crossed.

Having Manchester city and Liverpool play the finals in this season's Carabao cup would feel heavenly to watch, Liverpool would want to use the opportunity to retaliate the loss and humiliation they suffered in the hands of Manchester city but since a cup is involved, I doubt Manchester city would give them (LP) the chance of winning, except LP got really lucky like Everton got yesterday in their game against Newcastle.

I watched the Everton vs Newcastle game yesterday but slept off while I was waiting for the second half to begin, and based on performance, I excepted Newcastle to beat Everton not minding the fact that they (Everton) had two goals in the first half of the match, but to my amazement  when I woke up and checking scores, I saw that Everton later won the game by 3 goals to 1, I simply counted them as lucky even though I know that good preparation and hard work was definitely involved.

Did I just hear you say luck, them maybe in that first half you watched the wrong game. Throughout the first half Newcastle was barely a threat to Everton, plus the fact that Everton barely lose a game in their new stadium, I think this season only Chelsea have managed to win there. Hill dickenson is A very hostile ground and Newcastle are not in their best foam, so for me I expected them to lose.

Even big side will struggled to beat Everton at home, especially in a tournament like this. The second half was more entertaining though, Barry scored and seal the for Everton. Even when Newcastle scored in the 88th minute, it was late already.

[Showlove01]

if arsenal used their full squad in that game, they certainly would have remained in the carabo cup till now. they made an avoidable mistake and unfortunately, they have to suffer for it by being eliminated. As for manchester city and liverpool, i consider them going far and either of them winning it eventually because they have passed that stage where they will risk so much. at the end of the day, one of the premier league team will still stay to the end and win it.

liverpool Bournemouth will be a screamer in the next phase because with the way Bournemouth are playing and considering how they dealt with manchester city, liverpool will have it though in that game 

I have seen a lot of people here trying to justify what Arsenal did and I am very sure they are Arsenal fans, there is nothing wrong if  a team play or start with their main squad though I didn't watch the game because Fleetwood was not a team to stand before Arsenal but I was shocked at the full time result and so, i concluded maybe Arsenal didn't use their main squad and if that was the case, I wonder what Arteta was thinking that aside. The fact that Bournemouth dealt with Aston villa doesn't mean they will do same on Manchester city and Liverpool because these teams has improved.

[Son Of Blockchain (SOB)]

Edited...

The EFL was the only viable cup the likes of Brighton can be close to winning and that may have being the reason behind their fierceness against Manchester City beyond what we have expected the game to be for City. I felt most disappointed by Chelsea than i did with Arsenal, i mean the Blues has no other tough engagements other than the EPL and would have taken the EFL more serious than any of the big teams participating but they just got flushed out so early. as for Arsenal it ca be excused that Arteta may not be prioritizing the EFL this season and want to fashion energy into the most important for him, the EPL and UCL, thats why their early exit.

Your thoughts are fair enough but even in the Premier League Brighton is unexpectedly doing well this season, don't forget they're just 5 points below Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League and sitting in 3rd position so it means they're in form which was why they were able to match City's energy.
 As for Chelsea, they been kicked out if their opportunity to win a trophy this season so they should channel their energy towards qualifying fir Champions league. I feel Arsenal is more disappointing cause they lost to Fleetwood moreover they're the defending Champions of the EPL.

[Sim_card]

The fact that Bournemouth dealt with Aston villa doesn't mean they will do same on Manchester city and Liverpool because these teams has improved.

Don't underestimate any team because the least expected team can give you a shocker in football. Bournemouth is a good team and they might decide to use all their strength to play Liverpool or City when they clash in order to win the game. Don't forget that both Liverpool and City have new coaches and there's no guarantee that they can win Bournemouth. Look at what Fleetwood did to Arsenal who expected it.

[Marykeller]

I was impressed with Brighton yesterday, they were so stubborn and didn't allow Manchester City to easily eliminate them. As for Chelsea i knew they wouldn't stand Liverpool, Arsenal disappointed me the most.

The EFL was the only viable cup the likes of Brighton can be close to winning and that may have being the reason behind their fierceness against Manchester City beyond what we have expected the game to be for City. I felt most disappointed by Chelsea than i did with Arsenal, i mean the Blues has no other tough engagements other than the EPL and would have taken the EFL more serious than any of the big teams participating but they just got flushed out so early. as for Arsenal it ca be excused that Arteta may not be prioritizing the EFL this season and want to fashion energy into the most important for him, the EPL and UCL, thats why their early exit.

You make it sound like Chelsea was against a small team. Don't forget Chelsea played against Liverpool, not an ordinary club that everyone would consider Chelsea to win against in the match. Chelsea gave their best in the match, and it ended in penalties. You know, in penalties, any team can win. Liverpool was lucky that the penalty kicks ended in their favor, and they will play against Bournemouth next.

[asriloni]

Now that all big teams except Manchester City and Liverpool have been eliminated, I'm beginning to think that both Enzo and Areola would put the Carabao cup on the list of their priorities this season. As long as either teams don't meet each other in the rounds leading to the final, we might actually have a classic Mancity vs Liverpool final and I think it would be fun to watch because there is still bad blood between both sides after that 0-3 loss that Liverpool suffered a few weeks ago in the hands of City.

Fingers crossed.

Lesser teams participated, the greater chance to win. Carabao has to be the most realistic trophy to win for City or Liverpool. They're unlikely to missing this opportunity. This is the first season from Maresca and Iraola in both of clubs, any trophy will be driving up their morality.

Nevertheless, your prediction seem right because City is likely advancing to the further round, but hopefully, Liverpool can win against Bournemouth then they will meet City in the final.

Yet if you ask me which team to bet to win EFL cup. City's likely my choice. The 3-0 at anfield is really painful for Liverpool. Liverpool may get better but do they have meet City's standard? I dunno.  

That's why a realistic bet should be belong to City.

[Comeacross]

I felt most disappointed by Chelsea than i did with Arsenal, i mean the Blues has no other tough engagements other than the EPL and would have taken the EFL more serious than any of the big teams participating but they just got flushed out so early.

Were you aware of who Chelsea played against?

Arsenal played against unknown club in a lower division. It was expected for them to go through easily but they fumbled. Chelsea played against Liverpool which I believe is the most toughest draw in this round. Despite the current form of Liverpool, they're not an easy opponent for anyone.

Moreover, Chelsea didn't just get knocked out like average team. They fought hard throughout the game and took it to penalty shootout. We all know how tricky penalty can be sometimes, it's luck that determines the winner in penalty shootout. Not that I'm justifying their lose but Chelsea didn't play badly, they were just unlucky with the penalties.

[Dreadboost]

if arsenal used their full squad in that game, they certainly would have remained in the carabo cup till now. they made an avoidable mistake and unfortunately, they have to suffer for it by being eliminated. As for manchester city and liverpool, i consider them going far and either of them winning it eventually because they have passed that stage where they will risk so much. at the end of the day, one of the premier league team will still stay to the end and win it.

liverpool Bournemouth will be a screamer in the next phase because with the way Bournemouth are playing and considering how they dealt with manchester city, liverpool will have it though in that game 

Arsenal lost last year in the same way to a small team. It could be a pattern that the Arsenal boss uses to leave competitions he has no interest in winning. Thereby focusing more on the Premier League.

Either Manchester City or Liverpool will win the Carabao Cup. But I would prefer it if Liverpool win it. Manchester City won it last season. Well, football doesn't have memories. Enzo Maresca has not won it before with Manchester City. It will be his desire to win it for Manchester City in his time.

[HajiBagi]

The last match for the EFL Carabao Cup fourth round will take place tonight at exactly 8:45 West African time. Featuring Everton vs Newcastle. Everton are at an advantage because the match will be played at their home stadium.

Brighton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and others have been eliminated. Either Everton or Newcastle will join them before 11 PM. My prediction is that Everton will beat Newcastle.

Everton beat Newcastle with a comfortable win, Newcastle have not been in good form since the beginning of the season, they sold their important players to Tottenham and Arsenal, and this is what happen to a team that sold their best players, selling Bruno Guimaraes and Tonalni will definitely affect Newcastle and if they do not take care they will get close to relegation position in the league table, although the match was played at Everton stadium and it is a big advantage for Everton.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, Fulham and Newcastle are out of the Competition, i am not surprised by Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham being eliminated, but Chelsea and arsenal did not play well, although Chelsea played against Liverpool but Arsenal disgrace their fans by losing to a club that no one believe they can score a single goal against them.

[Amphenomenon]

Arsenal lost last year in the same way to a small team. It could be a pattern that the Arsenal boss uses to leave competitions he has no interest in winning. Thereby focusing more on the Premier League.

Arsenal are not doing any of this just because they don't want to win this trophy rather they underestimated their opponents and then suffer from it.

If they were not trying to win why would they bring more senior players against Fleetwood to get an equaliser and possibly win the game. There are games where the underdogs are able to be the better team against the bigger guys no matter what they show and this is especially if they can keep up with the pressure.

[Brizi5000]

if arsenal used their full squad in that game, they certainly would have remained in the carabo cup till now. they made an avoidable mistake and unfortunately, they have to suffer for it by being eliminated. As for manchester city and liverpool, i consider them going far and either of them winning it eventually because they have passed that stage where they will risk so much. at the end of the day, one of the premier league team will still stay to the end and win it.

liverpool Bournemouth will be a screamer in the next phase because with the way Bournemouth are playing and considering how they dealt with manchester city, liverpool will have it though in that game 

I have seen a lot of people here trying to justify what Arsenal did and I am very sure they are Arsenal fans, there is nothing wrong if  a team play or start with their main squad though I didn't watch the game because Fleetwood was not a team to stand before Arsenal but I was shocked at the full time result and so, i concluded maybe Arsenal didn't use their main squad and if that was the case, I wonder what Arteta was thinking that aside. The fact that Bournemouth dealt with Aston villa doesn't mean they will do same on Manchester city and Liverpool because these teams has improved.

Chelsea actually came to win that game, when I saw the line up and following up with Xabi Alonso press conference you could tell that they really wanted to win the game. They started with a strong eleven but unfortunately Liverpool were equal to the task. Playing Liverpool at Anfield is always going to be a difficult game no matter the trophy involved and Chelsea actually did well to even keep the game leveled at full time. I was expecting Xabi Alonso to start Estevao in that very game but he didn’t, and for me I think these are the kind of games Estevao would’ve played to prove himself that he deserves to be playing more in that team because if he had started that game he would’ve caused Liverpool troubles upfront and possibly score to win the game for Chelsea.

[Pablo-wood]

if arsenal used their full squad in that game, they certainly would have remained in the carabo cup till now. they made an avoidable mistake and unfortunately, they have to suffer for it by being eliminated. As for manchester city and liverpool, i consider them going far and either of them winning it eventually because they have passed that stage where they will risk so much. at the end of the day, one of the premier league team will still stay to the end and win it.

liverpool Bournemouth will be a screamer in the next phase because with the way Bournemouth are playing and considering how they dealt with manchester city, liverpool will have it though in that game 

I have seen a lot of people here trying to justify what Arsenal did and I am very sure they are Arsenal fans, there is nothing wrong if  a team play or start with their main squad though I didn't watch the game because Fleetwood was not a team to stand before Arsenal but I was shocked at the full time result and so, i concluded maybe Arsenal didn't use their main squad and if that was the case, I wonder what Arteta was thinking that aside. The fact that Bournemouth dealt with Aston villa doesn't mean they will do same on Manchester city and Liverpool because these teams has improved.

If we check the line up it wasn't Arteta's preferred starting ix that was featured against Fleetwood. For me it was wise he experimented that tactics in the Carabao cup. The experiment would have been more disturbing if it were to be in the premier league or CL. Now Arsenal can now focus on their most preferred trophy and see how well they maintain their consistency till the end.

[SOKO-DEKE]

Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, Fulham and Newcastle are out of the Competition, i am not surprised by Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham being eliminated, but Chelsea and arsenal did not play well, although Chelsea played against Liverpool but Arsenal disgrace their fans by losing to a club that no one believe they can score a single goal against them.

The team that surprised me the most by getting eliminated from the Carabao Cup was Arsenal, because they were the last team I expected to be eliminated. They had the easiest opponent, and even their full second squad should have been able to win easily without much effort. However, Arsenal still used most of their first team players, yet they were eliminated.It was so disappointing because I don't know how they ended up losing that match to Fleetwood, a team from League Two.If we are talking about other strong or big teams that were eliminated, I don't think their results were surprising, considering the opponents they faced. The opponents were also strong teams. For example, Manchester City against Brighton, Liverpool against Chelsea, and Everton against Newcastle. All these teams are Premier League clubs.

[nelson4lov]

~Snipped

At this point, Liverpool owned Chelsea because tell me how Chelsea have failed countless times to win Liverpool in tournaments? This is no longer the fierce Chelsea that will be competitive for titles, they're very slow and their performance tonight surprised me because tell me how they're wasting chances against Liverpool. This is just not happening under Xabi Alonso watch.

Curiosity made me ask, can this Xabi Alonso be able to defeat a big side? I don't think so because he has failed to win big games this season and weve always been that elite team that's not able to conquer major sides in both the EPL and other major tournaments. Chelsea really need to do better and they need to make more signings because with what I've watched tonight,a lot of work need to be done.

Winning big teams is not the problem because he can win all the small teams and win trophies just by doing the bare minimum but that's beside the point. Don't forget that other big teams too have similar or higher level of squad quality with Chelsea so defeating big teams won't be easy by default. This weekend, we have a big fixture between Man Utd (which is also struggling) vs Chelsea so we will put that theory of whether Alonso can beat big teams to the test.

[Audrey Simmons]

If we check the line up it wasn't Arteta's preferred starting ix that was featured against Fleetwood. For me it was wise he experimented that tactics in the Carabao cup. The experiment would have been more disturbing if it were to be in the premier league or CL. Now Arsenal can now focus on their most preferred trophy and see how well they maintain their consistency till the end.

Arteta knows what he did that cost them to get kicked out of the Carabao Cup, using his best players is endangering his first team Premier League and Champions League starters to the danger of injury and fatigue, i blame the second team players who were unable to win Fleetwood, that was where they needed to show why they are good options for big games in the major league, most of them failed the test, and i doubt if Arteta minds using them for important matches.

[Rgram]

Arteta knows what he did that cost them to get kicked out of the Carabao Cup, using his best players is endangering his first team Premier League and Champions League starters to the danger of injury and fatigue, i blame the second team players who were unable to win Fleetwood, that was where they needed to show why they are good options for big games in the major league, most of them failed the test, and i doubt if Arteta minds using them for important matches.

These games always come’s with a lot of player rotation, no team ever uses their very best, especially teams playing in the premier league. So, yeah it was expected he would have to leave some of his very best on the bench but, field enough to get him the win and that wasn’t what happened.
Still, we can agree to say that, they lost squarely on penalties, that was no man’s game for sure and wasn’t entirely a bad way to get kicked out.