Liverpool fans were still buzzing after their victory over Southampton in the third round of the EFL Cup when the fourth-round draw brought even more drama, and perhaps more nerves, to Anfield. The draw has now confirmed that Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, will face Crystal Palace in what promises to be one of the standout clashes of the competition. The tie will take place in the week of October 27, and it is already being described as a match that could define Arne Slot’s first season in charge of the Reds.
For Liverpool, the Carabao Cup has always been a competition that carries a strange weight. On one hand, it is often dismissed by rival fans as a “minor” trophy compared to the Champions League or Premier League. On the other hand, it has given Liverpool some unforgettable nights, some heartbreaking defeats, and some of the proudest moments in their modern history. Just last season, it was Newcastle United who lifted the trophy with Alexander Isak playing a starring role. Ironically, Isak is now wearing the famous red shirt of Liverpool after his shocking summer move from St James’ Park. His presence in this year’s competition adds a new layer of drama.
The fourth-round draw was packed with storylines. Newcastle United, the defending champions, will host Tottenham Hotspur in what is being seen as another heavyweight clash. Arsenal, desperate to end a decades-long drought in this competition—they last lifted the trophy in 1993—have been drawn against Brighton, one of the most dangerous counter-attacking sides in England. Grimsby Town, the fairytale of this season’s competition, will face Brentford at home after already pulling off one of the shocks of the decade by eliminating Manchester United. And in Wales, history has been written. For the first time, three Welsh clubs are in the last 16 of the EFL Cup, and the football gods made sure that two of them—Wrexham and Cardiff—will collide in a derby that hasn’t been seen since 2002. Swansea City, the 2013 winners, have the misfortune of drawing Manchester City, a side that treats every game, no matter the competition, like a mission of destiny.
But make no mistake, all eyes will be on Liverpool versus Crystal Palace.
The Eagles may not be considered one of the “big six” in English football, but any Liverpool fan who has lived through the painful memories of recent years knows how dangerous they can be. Palace have built a reputation as giant-killers, and some of Liverpool’s most painful moments in the Premier League era have come at their hands. Who can forget the infamous “Crystanbul” game in 2014 when Liverpool’s title dreams were shattered after a 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park? Or more recently, when Palace came to Anfield and played without fear, exposing weaknesses that bigger clubs had failed to punish?
Arne Slot, still new in his role as Liverpool manager, will know this is not just another tie. It is a test of mentality, of depth, and of how serious Liverpool are about winning silverware this season. The Dutchman has made it clear from the start of his tenure that he wants to compete on all fronts. With the Reds already battling in the Premier League and the Champions League, some managers might see the Carabao Cup as a distraction. But Slot has inherited a club that lives for trophies, and he cannot afford to underestimate any competition, especially not one that could give him his first taste of glory in England.
Giovanni Leoni’s heartbreaking ACL injury in the previous round has added another twist to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup campaign. The young Italian defender, brought in from Parma for £26m, had been given a golden opportunity in the third-round clash against Southampton. He played with confidence, composure, and hunger before disaster struck in the 81st minute. Stretchered off in tears, it has now been confirmed that he will be out for several months. It means Liverpool are once again light in central defence, with only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as their senior options. Against Palace, this shortage will be tested, and Slot may have no choice but to use midfielders like Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch as emergency defenders if things go wrong.
For Palace, the draw is both a challenge and an opportunity. They will see this as their chance to prove they belong on the same stage as the biggest clubs. The Eagles have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and that makes them even more dangerous. Palace’s style of play—organized, disciplined, but with explosive pace in attack—has always caused Liverpool problems. Anfield may be roaring, but the London side will arrive with belief.
The Carabao Cup fourth round is shaping up like a script written for pure drama. Wolves versus Chelsea is another fascinating battle, with the Blues desperate to show progress under their current manager after seasons of chaos. Wycombe Wanderers, one of the true underdogs, will test their resilience against Fulham. Every tie carries history, pressure, and storylines, but none come close to the intensity surrounding Liverpool’s clash with Palace.
For Liverpool fans, this is not just about one game. It is about momentum. The Reds have started the season strongly in the league, and Slot’s style of play—high pressing, quick transitions, and fluid attacking—has been embraced by supporters. But cup competitions are different. They are about moments. They are about finding a way when things are not going perfectly. They are about heroes emerging from nowhere, about teenagers scoring in front of the Kop, about goalkeepers making last-minute saves that live forever in memory.
And then there is Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, who scored in last year’s Carabao Cup final for Newcastle, now finds himself chasing the same trophy in Liverpool red. His journey has come full circle in the most dramatic way. From lifting the cup for Newcastle to now trying to repeat the feat with Liverpool, Isak knows the spotlight will be on him. Can he deliver again? Can he prove that Liverpool’s bold decision to sign him was worth it? The Palace tie might just be the perfect stage for him to show his quality.
Beyond Anfield, the draw has sparked excitement across the country. Wrexham versus Cardiff is already being described as the “Battle of Wales.” The last time these two fierce rivals met was 23 years ago, and the football world has changed dramatically since then. Wrexham’s rise, powered by Hollywood ownership and a loyal fan base, has captured global attention. Cardiff, meanwhile, are desperate to re-establish themselves as the pride of Welsh football. When they meet, it won’t just be a football match. It will be history.
Grimsby Town’s clash with Brentford is another fairytale. After shocking Manchester United, the Mariners will once again step into the spotlight, hoping to continue their dream run. The magic of the cup is alive, and their fans will believe that anything is possible.
And then there is Swansea versus Manchester City. For many, this looks like mission impossible. City’s squad depth is unmatched, and Pep Guardiola rarely allows complacency. But Swansea will hope for miracles. After all, the cup has always been a place where miracles happen.
As the week of October 27 draws closer, the narratives will build, the tension will rise, and the football world will watch. For Liverpool, the Palace tie is more than just a fourth-round match. It is a reminder that every step in a cup competition matters. It is a reminder that football is fragile, that injuries can strike, that underdogs can rise, and that legends can be made on cold nights under the lights.
The Carabao Cup may not always get the headlines of Europe’s grandest stages, but for players, fans, and managers, it carries emotion, pride, and legacy. And as Liverpool prepare to host Palace, one thing is certain: Anfield will once again be ready for drama
